We’ve all spent time in the psalms. They are a source of challenge, comfort, and promise for us today in the same way that they were for the people of Israel. At times pleading and others praising, God and His incredible works remain front and center in this poetry. The Church enters the season of Lent today, a period of pointed reflection on the Lord that moves day by day toward the celebration of Easter. We meditate on the bloody and horrible cost of salvation, how the perfect Seder lamb had to be sacrificed so that you and I might be saved. It is at the same time a sober and celebratory time.
Psalm 85 expresses our need and desire perfectly. The psalmist pleads,
Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
Will you not revive us again that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. (vv 4-7)
Begin our walk through the desert toward Calvary by asking yourself, what am I contributing to prolonging God’s anger? What must I shed on this trip through the wilderness? Our goal is to reach the cross rid of the dead weight and dross that interfere with our relationship with the Savior.
Grace and peace to you.
image wolfgang staudt
LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 