Read: Psalm 85:1-13
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. (vv. 6-7)
In the past God had renewed the life of Israel (v. 1). Now the psalmist says, “Restore us again, O God of our salvation” (v. 4). The history of the church in America has seen spiritual decline and then renewal. Historians identify the Great Awakening and the Second Awakening during which noon-day prayer meetings were started by a Reformed Church layman in New York City which eventually spread across the country. “Do it again, Lord!” Bring revival to your church in our day.
The psalmist realizes that the key to such renewal is obedient listening to God. “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak” (v. 8). Friend, what is the Lord saying to you? All you need to do is open your Bible and you will find out.
The result is caught in the meaning of that great Hebrew word shalom (“peace”). Shalom is the good life of quietly living in God’s presence. Yet unless we are careful, that peace will be spoiled, “But let them not turn back to folly” (v. 8).
One is reminded of the frequent failures in the book of Judges. The people made bad decisions. They cried out to God. He sent judges to rescue them. But again they would forget God and new trouble came their way. —Harry Buis
As you pray, ask God to give you (and every believer) a vision of peace, based on obedience.
About the Author
The Rev. Harry Buis served as a Reformed Church in America pastor for 41 years, serving six congregations. He had a consuming passion for the Word of God, preached and written, and would take up his pen to share that passion at a moment’s notice. His enthusiasm for God and the Bible was his signature. Rev. Buis edited the Words of Hope daily devotional for twenty years, and wrote several books and numerous articles. He also taught as an adjunct at Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, and Kuyper College. He served the church in many capacities, and was elected President of General Synod of the RCA in 1980. Rev. Buis died of cancer in 2001.
