Advent Devotionals: Day 25

December 23rd, 2020
by Campus Bible Church

Psalm 85

You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love. Lord, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

The author of this Psalm remembers the redemption and restoration given by God. In the midst of a sincere longing for revival and rescue, he bears witness to the life-giving provision of salvation and peace. He knows that the good things of the Lord are indeed good, and that in the midst of struggle and longing, God is still faithful.

God's forgiveness of Israel indicated here anticipates the permanent forgiveness found in Christ. In sending His Son, God once and for all demonstrated his generous grace and abundant faithfulness. He withheld nothing in sending Jesus. All the good things of God are ours to claim because of what Jesus did. No matter the state of our circumstances, we can still cling to the gift of life abundant in Christ.

Prayer: God, teach me to pray through my circumstances with confidence in Your promises and an accurate view of who You are. You are truly the source of all good things. Help me to remember that when I am overwhelmed. Thank You for the gift of Your Son and that through him I can know life abundant. I love You.

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