Revive Us Again, O Lord (Psalm 85, Part 3)

Future Glory: Receive God’s Assurance (verses 8-13)

When we understand that God hears us, we want to hear Him. Since Christ forgives our sins and brings peace to our hearts, we want to worship and serve him alone. As we respond to God’s unfailing goodness, our restored relationship with God will join the faithfulness of His people on earth in devout worship. God’s righteous judgments are ultimately saving judgments. Having experienced all things, Jesus knows our infirmities, and has given us a way of escape.

Lord our God, we receive Your assurance of future glory. We listen to what You say; Thank You that love and faithfulness; and righteousness and peace meet together through Your Son. Cause our land to yield its increase and cause Your righteousness to go before us and make a way for our steps.

Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.

William P. MacKay (1835-1889)

Revive Us Again, O Lord (Psalm 85, Part 2)

Present Revival: Request God’s Work (verses 4-7)

May God revive us and show mercy. Through revival God restores us. He sends us His grace to draw us to lovingly worship Him. The God of our salvation causes His anger toward us, and our anger toward Him to cease. Our joy in the Lord is the fruit of His grace. God brings life out of death, and joy out of gloom. Unfailing love and salvation are His gifts. His mercy, grace and salvation are God’s answers to prayer.

Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away Your displeasure toward us. O Lord, we request Your work of revival in Your church here in Jefferson County. Revive us again, that we, Your people, may rejoice in You. Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation.

Revive Us Again, O Lord (Psalm 85, Part 1)

In the midst of trials and distresses we can anchor our hearts on the finished work of Jesus Christ. God is faithful and merciful. Although He is just, He has peace with humans. May He revive us again, restoring our sense of devotion.

Past Atonement: Recall God’s Favor (verses 1-3)

God showed His favor on us by atoning for our sins through the sacrifice of His Son. We can therefore root our supplications in Christ’s finished work. Our sin occasions God’s wrath, which His people deserve as much as others; but God has poured our sins on His Son and has turned away from his anger. Emmanuel, God with us, forgives all our sins.

Lord our God, we recall Your favor. Thank You that through Your Son You atoned for our sin. Thank You that You are slow to anger and ready to forgive. Thank You, Loving Father, for setting aside all Your wrath.

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs085_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3

God's Reliability (Psalm 84, Part 3)

God’s Reliability (verses 9-12)

We can rely on God to provide us light to show the way and a shield to protect us. God’s light shows us Himself and reveals our sins. He also shields us from the battle. We need not fear darkness when we have a sun to guide us. God does not remove us from life’s pressures but gives us grace in the midst of them. May we rely on God in delighted trust and encourage others to rely on God by putting their trust in Him. He will give His blessings to those who rely on Him.

Lord, our reliable God, shield us from the glory that would blind us. One day serving You is indeed better than a thousand in which we go our own way. You are the light of our lives and our protector. May we walk worthy of You. Happy are we when we rely on You.

May we long for the joy of worshiping in the temple of God. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

Now, look how the holy pilgrims ride,

Clouds are their chariots, angels their guide:

Who would not here for him all hazards run,

That thus provides for his when this world’s done?

John Bunyan (1628-1688)