Reading
- Psa. 44; 74; 79; 80; 85; 89
Devotional
For the past several days we've been reading the book of Job. But recall that before that we read how the Israelites are in the midst of a 70-year period of captivity in the land of Babylon as a result of their sin and rebellion. Today and tomorrow we read a series of 10 psalms which were written during these years of captivity. Much like Job, we see the people of GOD questioning their situation as strangers in a foreign land, how long they will suffer, and whether GOD is truly present with them during this difficult time.
What is also clear is that there is, finally, an admission on the part of the Jews that they deserve the punishment they are receiving because of their sin. Our devotional will focus on Psalm 85 which is an acknowledgment that, when the captivity ends, the people must lead righteous lives when they are restored to their homeland. In other words, they must learn the lesson GOD is intending to teach them so they don't repeat the same mistakes.
1 O LORD, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? 7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, And grant us Your salvation.
8 I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 Indeed, the LORD will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce. 13 Righteousness will go before Him And will make His footsteps into a way.
(Psa. 85:1-13 NASB)
