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
Sometimes I’ve thought I’d set matters straight by explaining things—as I saw them. However, often people flatly rejected my explanations. I made matters worse! Undoubtedly, I hadn’t paused to “turn to [God]” and “hear what God the Lord will speak” (v. 8). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will tell us what to say when the time comes (Mark 13:11). God will guide us about whether we should speak words of warning, as Amos spoke, or promises of peace, as this psalmist offered. We can also seek God’s direction about how best to share messages. As Paul told the Thessalonians, we should lovingly build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). If we start by criticizing people, it’s unlikely we’ll persuade them. We need to begin by affirming their God-given worth and seeking common ground with them. Then we can more effectively speak whatever messages God calls us to share.
Prayer
God of peace, help us seek your guidance first rather than taking matters into our own hands—and mouths. Speak so that we hear how to share your messages effectively and with love. Amen.
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