Psalm 85: 8-13 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 85: 8-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Verse 9Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Verse 10Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Verse 11Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Verse 12The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Verse 13Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
Devotion
“All You Need Is Love.” That quaint Beatles song is very catchy and sentimental. We don’t often expect such trite ditties to contain profound theological meaning, yet John Lennon’s words transcend their context to remind us of one of the Bible’s key messages; all we need is love!
In the midst of economic hardship, natural disasters, and ongoing war, it is helpful for us to keep our eyes on the goal, lest we get so bogged down by the negativity streaming constantly from the news that we lose our hope. God knows our tendency for despair, so He gives us periodic reminders of what we have to look forward to in His kingdom, such as this beautiful image from Psalm 85. “Righteousness and peace kiss. Love and faithfulness meet.”
Let us not wait for the world to fix itself; let’s make it happen by spreading the love of Christ one righteous act at a time.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, show me someone to love today. Amen.