Restore Us O God!
Too often as believers we forget God. We do this by showing ingratitude for His blessings, by our prideful attempts at self-sufficiency, and neglect of His will. God is patient with us, yet He is a jealous God that refuses to allow His people to go their own way and remain comfortable in sin. As a loving Father He brings about repentance in His children through discipline (Heb 12:4-11).
The Israelites in Psalm 85 have been greatly disciplined by the Lord, and have only now come back into the land after 70 years in exile (85:1-3). They have repented of their forgetfulness and idolatry and God has forgiven their sins. Forgiveness of sins includes the withdrawal of God’s judgment. Brethren, God’s discipline is for our ultimate good. His goal is humility before Him and personal holiness.
The psalmist prays that God would fully restore His people now that they are back in the land (85:4-7). He confesses that they have provoked God greatly by their rebellion against Him (85:4). The psalmist understands that only God can revive the hearts of people (85:6). Only God can save His people; they cannot do it themselves (85:4,7). Brethren, restoration involves being in a right relationship with God through the forgiveness of sins made possible by the sacrifice of Christ (2 Cor 5:18). This restoration involves the renewed favour of God that come via a life of faith and obedience.
The psalmist concludes by promising to “hear” (obey) what God’s word says (85:8-13). His word will bring peace to those that listen and refuse to give into the folly of sin (85:8). God is surely among His people (85:9; John 1:14). God is good: grace and truth and righteousness and peace are in perfect harmony among His people as they obey Him (85:10-12).