Introduction
Psalm 85 is a prayer for revival and restoration. It is a communal plea for God’s mercy, asking Him to restore His favor on His people after a time of hardship or judgment. The psalmist acknowledges God’s past blessings and asks for renewal, longing for the peace that comes when God’s presence is once again felt among His people. It’s a psalm that speaks to the heart of every believer who desires God’s restoration in times of struggle.
Background of Psalm 85
Psalm 85 is often considered a psalm of the sons of Korah, who were responsible for music in the temple. It is thought to have been written after the Babylonian exile when the people of Israel were returning to their land. The psalmist calls for God’s restoration and expresses hope that God will revive His people, bring peace, and restore their land.
This psalm is significant for its themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the hope for spiritual renewal. It serves as both a prayer and a reflection on God’s faithfulness and mercy.
What Does Psalm 85 Mean?
Psalm 85 can be divided into a few distinct sections, each expressing different aspects of the psalmist’s prayer for revival:
- Verses 1–3: The psalmist begins by recalling God’s past acts of favor, forgiveness, and restoration. The people of Israel were once in great distress, but God has shown mercy, and the psalmist asks for that mercy to be extended once more.
- Verses 4–7: The psalmist calls for God to restore them and asks for peace, recognizing that God’s anger needs to be turned away. There is a deep desire for God to renew the people spiritually and grant peace.
- Verses 8–9: The psalmist listens for God’s response, expressing confidence that God will speak peace to His people. This is an expression of trust in God’s faithfulness.
- Verses 10–13: The final verses are a vision of what God’s restoration will look like: mercy and truth will meet, righteousness and peace will kiss, and the land will be fruitful. The psalmist expresses hope for the future, knowing that when God’s favor returns, there will be blessing.
Verse Mapping Psalm 85:6
“Will You not revive us again so that Your people may rejoice in You?” (CSB)
- Word Study
- Revive – The Hebrew word here means to bring back to life, to restore to health, or to renew. It conveys a sense of being spiritually awakened or rejuvenated after a period of spiritual death or decline.
- Rejoice – To feel or express great joy, often in response to God’s intervention or deliverance. The word conveys a deep, heartfelt happiness in the presence of God.
- Your people – Refers to the nation of Israel or God’s people, those who are in covenant with Him.
- Cross-References
- Psalm 80:18 – “Then we will not abandon You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.”
- Isaiah 57:15 – “For the High and Exalted One, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says: ‘I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the oppressed.'”
- Habakkuk 3:2 – “Lord, I have heard the report about You; Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy.”
- Paraphrase God, will You not bring us back to life again so that we may experience joy and gladness in Your presence?
- Application In times of spiritual dryness or discouragement, we can echo the psalmist’s prayer, asking God to revive us once again. When we are spiritually tired or disconnected, God’s restoration brings joy and renewal. This verse is a reminder to seek God’s revitalizing work in our hearts, knowing that He is faithful to revive and restore His people.
How Can We Apply Psalm 85 Today?
- Pray for Revival Just as the psalmist prays for God to revive His people, we can pray for spiritual renewal in our own lives and in our communities. Revival begins with individuals, but it has a ripple effect when it spreads through families, churches, and nations. We can ask God to restore His work in our hearts and bring revival to our world.
- Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness The psalmist recalls God’s past mercies as a foundation for hope. In our own lives, we can reflect on God’s faithfulness and His past acts of mercy, which serve as a reminder that He will be faithful again. When we face difficulties, remembering how God has worked in our past can renew our trust in His ability to work in our present and future.
- Desire Spiritual Renewal The psalmist’s longing for revival should be our own desire. Spiritual renewal doesn’t just happen passively; it requires an active longing for God and His presence. We can make space in our lives for God’s renewal through prayer, worship, and a heart willing to be changed by Him.
- Seek Peace and Righteousness The psalmist envisions a future where peace and righteousness are the result of God’s restoration. In our own lives, we can seek to live out God’s peace and righteousness, knowing that when we align ourselves with God’s ways, His blessings will follow.
- Trust in God’s Faithfulness As the psalmist listens for God’s answer, we too must trust that God hears our prayers and will respond in His timing. God’s faithfulness is unshakable, and He will restore and revive His people according to His perfect will.
Reflection Questions
- Are there areas of your life where you need spiritual revival? How can you seek God’s renewal in those areas?
- How can you reflect on God’s past faithfulness to renew your trust in Him?
- What steps can you take to actively seek God’s peace and righteousness in your life?
- How can you pray for revival in your community or the world?
A Closing Prayer
Lord, we long for Your revival in our hearts and in our world. Restore us, O God, and bring Your peace and righteousness to our lives. May we experience the joy that comes from Your presence and trust in Your faithful work of renewal. Revive us once again, and may we rejoice in You. Amen.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 85 is a beautiful prayer for spiritual renewal. It reminds us that when we turn to God in repentance and ask for His restoration, He is faithful to revive us and bring joy into our hearts. As we seek His presence and His mercy, we can trust that God will restore what has been lost and fill us with His peace.
