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
Anytime problems arise it's easy to question the nature of a relationship. Is the pain worth it? Can we really work things out? What if I get hurt again? And yet, when your heart is invested and the love you feel is real and deep, all you can do is make yourself vulnerable, reach out in humility and pray for healing to come along.
The analogy doesn't fit perfectly, but much of the same can be said of our relationship with God. God first reaches out to us. Yet we have an important role to play in ensuring that our relationship with the Lord is healthy and life-giving. We need to seek forgiveness for the times we have neglected or turned away from God. We need to recommit our hearts to Jesus.
We never know for sure what reconciliation will look like—with the Lord, or with others. But the psalmist's words describe one possible result: "love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss." And slowly, slowly, healing begins.
Prayer
Protect my relationships, Lord, and help me treat the people I love with care and respect. Amen.