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
He had profound hearing loss and no money. His hearing aids had been broken so long ago he had forgotten what it was like to hear and secretly resorted to reading lips. We learned of a generous foundation and found a wonderful audiologist who cheerfully donated his time. Many weeks later the two new hearing aids were ready. On the way to the fitting he confessed he was nervous. In the chair he was trembling with fear, and said, "It's been so long. I'm afraid." Then came the miracle. When the new hearing aids were activated, his face overflowed with tears and a huge smile. Sin is like ear wax, it clogs our ears and prevents us from hearing the good news. Then the Holy Spirit opens our ears and we hear the joyous sounds of the gospel. What a song the psalmist sings to us this day! In the wondrous notes there is peace and a vision when "steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other." When our ears are opened, then we can hear again God's glorious song.
Prayer
Lord, I'm ready. I want to hear. By the power of your Holy Spirit, open up my ears today so I might hear the wondrous sounds of the gospel. Amen.