Psalm 85:1-13
85:1-3 A statement of all the things God has done for His people; God is favorable to us, rescues us, forgives us, cleanses us. He is merciful when our behavior does not deserve it. We receive so much from God in addition to forgiveness: blessing and protection. He redirects us; He places us on His path, thereby separating us from the way of the world.
85:4-7 The Psalmist pleaded for the mercy and forgiveness God promised to those who would love Him and live righteously. In time of discipline, we pray for His forgiveness. But our prayer only matters if we are sincere and willing to learn and change.
85:8-9 We must listen to God's instruction. He teaches peace and outlines the path to it. But we must commit to His philosophy of life. To His commandments, statues and laws. We must emulate Jesus' life of fierce and steadfast faith, compassion and servitude. Salvation is within the grasp of those who revere the Lord. Glory dwells in our land when we dwell with our God.
85:10-11 For our Father is the merging of mercy and truth, righteousness and peace. He establishes truth and righteousness as the law of the land, directly from heaven.
85:12-13 Our God provides goodness and abounds goodness. He increases what He gives. His tree of life yields eternal, abundant. To follow Him, we need only to live righteously. The path of righteousness has been made by God's footsteps, His character and soul and choices.
His footsteps are the path of the righteous.
