Have you ever wondered about the spiritual state of our nation? Psalm 85 offers profound insights into the dynamics between a nation and its Creator, reflecting on the blessings that come with obedience and the consequences of turning away from God.
Background Context: Psalm 85 reflects on Israel’s spiritual journey, from times of favor and restoration to seasons of rebellion and divine discipline. It resonates with nations like the United States, founded on faith yet grappling with secularism and moral relativism over time.
Reconnect: Just as Israel experienced cycles of faithfulness and waywardness, nations today, including the USA, face similar challenges. We must examine our collective conscience and turn back to God’s timeless principles to restore His favor upon our land.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Prayer for God’s Mercy upon the Nation.
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
1O LORD, You showed favor to Your land;
You restored the captivity of Jacob.
2You forgave the iniquity of Your people;
You covered all their sin.
3You withdrew all Your fury;
You turned away from Your burning anger.
4Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your indignation toward us to cease.
5Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD,
And grant us Your salvation.
8I will hear what God the LORD will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
9Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
10Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11Truth springs from the earth,
And righteousness looks down from heaven.
12Indeed, the LORD will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
13Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way.
Key Summary Points:
- Divine Expectations: God desires reverence and obedience from nations. We cannot redefine morality according to cultural whims and expect His blessings.
- National Repentance: Like Israel, nations need sincere repentance to experience God’s forgiveness and restoration of His favor.
- Hope in God’s Mercy: Despite national shortcomings, God is merciful. He waits for our collective return to Him, ready to forgive and bless abundantly.
Call to Action:
- Personal Examination: Reflect on your own relationship with God and how it influences your impact on society.
- Intercessory Prayer: Pray for revival among believers in your nation, that they may shine God’s light and influence others to seek Him.
- National Repentance: Pray for leaders and citizens to turn from worldly ideologies and embrace God’s truth, leading to national healing and renewal.
Closing: As we meditate on Psalm 85, let us earnestly seek God’s mercy for our nation. May we, as individuals and communities of faith, embody His truth and grace, serving as beacons of hope and reconciliation in a world in need of His divine intervention.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our nation’s need for Your mercy and forgiveness. Grant us the courage to repent and turn from our worldly ways. Strengthen Your people to boldly proclaim Your truth and love, leading others to seek Your face. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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