Psalm 85:8-13
8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Daily Devotion
A Christmas Gift–PEACE
By: Sarah Seagraves
Merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope you are celebrating with loved ones, friends and family on this Christmas Day.
As I read these verses from Psalm 85 I feel the way we can obtain the gift of peace is found in verse 8. “I will hear what the Lord will speak…” We have read the Bible through this year. We have read His Word! But, have we heard what the Lord has spoken to us this year?
After looking up what the word hear means, I think the word listen fits better, especially after reading this definition. “We use hear for sounds that come to our ears, without us necessarily trying to hear them! For example, ‘They heard a strange noise in the middle of the night. ‘ Listen is used to describe paying attention to sounds that are going on.”
The Hebrew word used in this verse means paying attention as well being obedient. Verse 8 in the NLT says, “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.” When I listen/obey the Word of God, receive His gift of peace, I can’t go back to the way things used to be. I need His Word to change me. I need to walk in obedience daily.
The rest of this chapter talks of other gifts obedience brings: salvation, the glory of God dwelling with us, mercy, truth, righteousness, goodness, increase, and direction for our lives. WOW!!! What gifts await us when we listen to the voice of God.