Psalm 85

“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” (v8). The psalmist knew that in the past the Lord “forgave the iniquity” of His people (v2).  As he cried out, “Restore us again, O God of our salvation!” (v4), he also urged God’s people to embrace His ways and not return to their destructive sins.  God’s “steadfast love” calls us to repentance, forgives our sins, and teaches us righteousness (v7).

The goal of God’s mercy is to help us live according to His kingdom, where “steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (v10).