# 29 2016 Dev. Ps. 85:8. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Psalm 85:8
“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.”
The Psalms in general is a five volume section in Scripture of poems, songs, and prayers all praising, confessing to, and petitioning God. It is a Book of intimate fellowship with our Creator. Psalm 85 is near the end of Book Three and is part of a 6 chapter set; Ch. 84-89. Book Three is about seeking God’s special love for His people, seeking fellowship, seeking God’s protection and His blessings for our lives. This Book is the back story in our changing and unpredictable situation today.
The last section of the Book Ps. 84-89 is comprised of individual prayers and communal prayers to which Ps. 84 is a powerful introduction. The emphasis in this section is on the “Lord Almighty”, His faithfulness, His everlasting love, His protection, His shield, and His anointed one. The anointed one refers to King David but ultimately is a reference to Jesus Christ who fulfills Ps. 89:4 quoted in Lk. 1:32-33,69.
Ps. 85 is a communal prayer seeking God’s mercy during a difficult time. This Psalm is addressed to everyone who follows Jesus. We live in a broken world and a broken country but there is room for optimism as this prayer indicates. We praise God for his past mercies and care (1-3). We petition God for restoration, for His unfailing love and for His forgiveness and salvation (v. 4-7.)
Verse 8 is a promise to listen to God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and claims God’s promise of peace but not to just anyone; to his righteous followers. The verse ends with a “but’ let them (God’s people) not turn to folly”. This phrase may also be translated as
“let them turn from folly”. Thinking about the issues churches are dealing with today, which translation of that phrase applies to us?
In verses 9-13 the Psalm goes on with an optimistic vision we have the opportunity to experience today. God’s salvation and glory is near to us! In the context of love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace kiss each other, they are intimately connected and go together. Our faithfulness by God’s Grace and God’s righteousness; forgiveness, salvation and unfailing love will bring us what is good. Are you ready to experience God’s goodness? The answer is verse 8; promise to listen to God and act on His will and experience His peace in an unpredictable world!
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