Restoration and Peace ...

Monday, June 8, 2015. The world is full of challenges. But we long for peace. There are plenty of people who want to do their work - good work. And there are many things keeping us from doing well. I spent a good part of my weekend thinking about a good way into the future … perhaps you know this type of questions: what to do? How to proceed? Where is a perspective?

How to proceed? …

I am a person who is open to put hard work into something. I just want to put it into an environment, which is worth putting hard work in, where you can gain something from thorough and hard work. If you loose anyway, why bother?

I a situation where sincere doubt about my current way is sweeping through my days, I ran into Psalm 85. It talks about salvation, and about a land full of righteousness. That is a good vision, that is reaching deep into my heart:

1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. 3 You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. 4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. 8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way. (Psalm 85)

There must be a way …

There is one observation, when we read this Psalm 85. Salvation is not yet there. “Restore us again” - that means that this restoration has not yet taken place. Perhaps you are in a similar situation? I feel like I am. I have experienced the grace and love of God, but currently I feel like in a big drought.

When you are fully dedicated to truth, to righteousness, to hard work - it does not necessarily mean that you saved already. But the author of the psalm is sure: his salvation is near to those who fear him! “Yes, the Lord will give what is good.” That is a strong statement. That is a high promise!

When we search the Lord, we have his promise that we will find! When we ask, we have his promise that he will give. Let us put our trust in him, in nothing else! And then let us see his mercy, his love and his provision. (RWEP) ... more texts