Psalm 85
LORD, You were favorable to Your land; You restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah
You withdrew all Your wrath; You turned from Your hot anger.
Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away Your indignation toward us!
Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
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.
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.
Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him and make His footsteps a way. (ESV)
Introduction:
Psalm 85 confronts us with a searching question:
What is revival really about?
Revival is not first about productivity- more programs, more activity, more visible success.
Revival is not first about prosperity- bigger churches, fuller budgets, or personal comfort.
Revival is not first about national greatness- moral reform in society or political influence.
1. A Humble Plea for Mercy (Psalm 85:1–7)
2. From Prayer to Promise (Psalm 85:8–9)
3. The Glorious Meeting of God’s Attributes (Psalm 85:10)
Now we come to one of the most breathtaking verses in all of Scripture:
Psalm 85:10
“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
Here we see the heart of the Gospel.
At first glance, these attributes seem to be in tension:
How can a holy God who demands righteousness show steadfast love to sinners?
How can divine justice be upheld while granting peace to guilty people?
The answer is found at the cross of Christ.
4. Heaven and Earth Reconciled (Psalm 85:11–12)
How Psalm 85 and Haggai 2 Fit Together:
| Haggai 2 | Psalm 85 |
| God’s past mercy | “You restored the fortunes of Jacob” (vv. 1–3) |
| God’s present discipline | “Restore us again… put away Your indignation” (vv. 4–5) |
| Call to repentance | “Let them not turn back to folly” (v. 8) |
| Prayer for revival | “Revive us again” (v. 6) |
| Promise of blessing | “The LORD will give what is good” (v. 12) |
| God’s presence restored | “Righteousness will go before him” (v. 13) |
Conclusion:
Psalm 85 leaves us with three enduring truths:
1. Blessing begins with repentance, not presumption.
“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV)
If we want God’s blessing, we must humble ourselves before Him.
2. Revival is God’s gracious work, not our technique.
We pray, “Revive us again,” but only God can answer that prayer.
3. True blessing is restored fellowship with God.
And all of this is fulfilled in Christ.
“From this day on, I will bless you.” (Haggai 2:19)