stephen R Harrison

Because of their rebellion and disobedience, the Jewish people were taken captive into Babylon for seventy years (Jeremiah 29). There is always consequence for sin, the biggest being separation from the Lord. When we feel that separation and desire to be restored to the Lord, repentance is beginning to take place in our hearts. It should move us spirit, soul, and body to reunite with the Lord. If all we long for is the end of the physical consequence of sins, then we are only experiencing a worldly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Worldly sorrow is self-centered and only desires the personal pain from sin to cease. It does not care about the offense or dishonor the sin has caused a holy God. Worldly sorrow attempts to justify sin and explain it away. Godly sorrow owns the sin and grieves over the pain it has caused to God and others. Godly sorrow produces repentance evidenced by a changed life.

Jeremiah told the Jewish people they would endure seventy years of captivity for their sins then God would restore a remnant of people to a new beginning (Jeremiah 29). Psalm 85 seems to reflect this and describe a people who desired repentance and restoration of relationship with the Lord. They recognized the Lord’s favor and restoration (v. 1), received His forgiveness (v. 2), and rejoiced in the Lord’s removal of His divine wrath (v. 3). Repentance not only brings us closer to God, but God closer to us. Repentance proves itself with lifestyle change (2 Corinthians 7:11). Here in Psalm 85 we see the people desired restoration to God their Savior (v. 4), removal of God’s anger (v. 5), revival of joy in the Lord (v. 6), and reinstatement of God’s love and salvation (v. 7). They even said they desired to listen to what God said (v. 8a)! Obedience is a true sign of repentance! They knew His promises were true and He alone brought peace (v. 8b). These were true signs of repentance, not selfishness rooted in fleshly deception.

One major sign of repentance is the return of a holy fear and a desire for God to be glorified (v. 9). How do you know when you need to repent? When you lose the fear of the Lord and the desire for Him to be glorified in all you say and do (1 Corinthians 10:31). God’s people had strayed away from Him, but in His grace and mercy, He brought salvation near to them once again (v. 9). A covenant sign of the Lord’s love and faithfulness is the merging of His righteousness and peace (v. 10-11). This picture in Psalm 85 foreshadowed only what Jesus could accomplish once for all on the cross as He alone could make us righteous and bring us peace (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:1-2). The Jewish people had hope and a new beginning once again as, “The Lord will indeed give what is good” (v. 12). Because of their repentance and His promise to restore, they would once again experience peace and prosperity. Through Jesus’ victory over sin on the cross and over the tomb, we can be eternally restored to God. Thank God for Jesus’ righteousness and redemption!

Questions:

1. Are their sins presently abiding in your life of which you need to repent?
2. Have you lost the holy fear of the Lord and desire for Him to be glorified in every part of your life?
3. Do you long to be restored to Him or just alleviated from your sinful consequences?

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me of my sins. Restore me to You. I desire our relationship more than comfort from the consequences of sin. In Your presence is peace, joy, and hope. Thank You for Your faithfulness and restorative grace. Thank you for new beginnings. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.