Psalms 85

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a reflection on God's past goodness and deliverance, as seen in Psalms 85:1-3. The psalmist then petitions God to revive His work and show His salvation, as expressed in Psalms 85:4-7. The chapter concludes with a expression of confidence in God's goodness and a prayer for His blessing, as seen in Psalms 85:8-13. Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of God's presence and blessing for His people, and seeks a revival of God's work among them.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 85 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness. Psalms 85 is a prayer for restoration and revival, which is a common theme throughout the Psalms. The chapter's emphasis on God's presence and blessing also points to the ultimate blessing of God's presence in Christ, which is a central theme in the New Testament, as seen in John 1:1 and Romans 5:8.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Psalms 85, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's presence and blessing in our lives. We are encouraged to pray for revival and restoration, and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. May we, like the psalmist, express a deep longing for God's presence and blessing, and may we experience His revival and restoration in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 85 is a prayer for God to revive and restore His people. The psalmist remembers God's past goodness and deliverance, and asks Him to show His salvation again. The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence and blessing for His people, and seeks a revival of God's work among them, as seen in Psalms 85:6 and Psalms 85:9.

Voices from the Church

“The prayer of the psalmist is a model for our own prayers, as we seek God's revival and restoration in our lives. As Spurgeon notes, "The Lord's people are never satisfied unless they have the Lord's presence."”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's emphasis on God's sovereignty and goodness is a reminder of our own dependence on Him. As Calvin notes, "God's presence is the source of all our joy and comfort."”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: Reflection on God's past goodness (Psalms 85:1-3) — The psalmist reflects on God's past deliverance and goodness, and expresses a desire for God's presence and blessing to be restored.
2. Petition for revival and restoration (Psalms 85:4-7) — The psalmist petitions God to revive His work and show His salvation, and expresses a desire for God's mercy and forgiveness.
3. Expression of confidence in God's goodness (Psalms 85:8-10) — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness, and trusts that God will revive His people and show His salvation.
4. Prayer for God's blessing (Psalms 85:11-13) — The psalmist prays for God's blessing and presence to be restored, and expresses a desire for God's people to rejoice in Him.
5. Conclusion: Expression of longing for God's presence (Psalms 85:6, 9) — The psalmist concludes by expressing a deep longing for God's presence and blessing, and seeks a revival of God's work among His people.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Psalms 85 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Psalms 85:1-3. The psalmist reflects on God's past deliverance and goodness, and expresses a desire for God's presence and blessing to be restored.

Importance of prayer

The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's revival and restoration, as seen in Psalms 85:4-7. The psalmist petitions God to revive His work and show His salvation, and expresses a desire for God's mercy and forgiveness.

God's faithfulness

The psalmist expresses confidence in God's faithfulness and goodness, as seen in Psalms 85:8-10. The psalmist trusts that God will revive His people and show His salvation, and expresses a desire for God's blessing and presence to be restored.

Necessity of revival

The chapter emphasizes the necessity of revival and restoration for God's people, as seen in Psalms 85:6 and Psalms 85:9. The psalmist seeks a revival of God's work among His people, and expresses a deep longing for God's presence and blessing.

Lessons from Psalms 85

1. The importance of reflecting on God's past goodness — The psalmist's reflection on God's past goodness serves as a foundation for his prayer for revival and restoration. We can learn from this example by reflecting on God's past goodness in our own lives, and seeking to trust in His faithfulness and goodness.
2. The necessity of prayer in seeking God's revival and restoration — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's revival and restoration. We can learn from this example by prioritizing prayer in our own lives, and seeking God's presence and blessing through prayer.
3. The importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in difficult circumstances. We can learn from this example by trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness, and seeking to express confidence in His sovereignty and control over all things.
4. The importance of seeking God's presence and blessing — The psalmist seeks God's presence and blessing, and expresses a deep longing for God's revival and restoration. We can learn from this example by seeking God's presence and blessing in our own lives, and prioritizing our relationship with Him.
5. The importance of rejoicing in God — The psalmist expresses a desire to rejoice in God, and seeks God's blessing and presence to be restored. We can learn from this example by seeking to rejoice in God, and prioritizing our worship and praise of Him.

Themes from Psalms 85

1. Restoration and Revival — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's restoration and revival for His people, as seen in Psalms 85:6 and Psalms 85:9. The psalmist seeks a revival of God's work among His people, and expresses a deep longing for God's presence and blessing.
2. God's Sovereignty and Control — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Psalms 85:1-3. The psalmist reflects on God's past deliverance and goodness, and expresses a desire for God's presence and blessing to be restored.
3. Importance of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's revival and restoration, as seen in Psalms 85:4-7. The psalmist petitions God to revive His work and show His salvation, and expresses a desire for God's mercy and forgiveness.
4. God's Faithfulness and Goodness — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's faithfulness and goodness, as seen in Psalms 85:8-10. The psalmist trusts that God will revive His people and show His salvation, and expresses a desire for God's blessing and presence to be restored.
5. Necessity of Revival — The chapter emphasizes the necessity of revival and restoration for God's people, as seen in Psalms 85:6 and Psalms 85:9. The psalmist seeks a revival of God's work among His people, and expresses a deep longing for God's presence and blessing.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which God has shown His goodness and deliverance in your life?
2. How can you pray for revival and restoration in your own life and in the lives of those around you?
3. What are some ways in which you can express confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances?
4. How can you seek God's presence and blessing in your life, and what are some ways in which you can rejoice in Him?
5. What are some ways in which you can trust in God's sovereignty and control over all things, and how can you pray for His will to be done in your life?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 85

	Sermon	Description
	A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo
	Revive Us Again by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of being in touch with God and hearing His voice. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a powerful revival on an isla
	The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i
	Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people
	Rivers of Living Water by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker uses a scenario to illustrate the state of people's lives and minds. He describes a field with a flowing fountain representing life and mind. Several tr
	Principles That Govern Spiritual Awakenings - Part 1 by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a visitation from God on a small island in Burma. Despite initially feeling compelled to leave a convention and go to th
	Peace as God Sees It - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the passing of the year 1961 and the uncertainty of the future. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth, even if it is not alway
	The New Year as God Sees It by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and uncertainty that people are experiencing in the world today. He emphasizes that despite the fear, believers should take comfort
	"We Don't Know God!" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals an
	Garland, Texas - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr	This sermon delves into the remarkable Welsh Revival of 1904, focusing on the pivotal role of Evan Roberts and the powerful movement of God's Spirit that transformed lives and comm

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 85

Matthew Henry notes that Psalms 85 is a prayer for God's revival and restoration, and that the psalmist reflects on God's past goodness and deliverance. Henry emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's revival and restoration, and notes that the psalmist's expression of confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness is a model for our own prayers. Henry also highlights the significance of the psalmist's reflection on God's past goodness, and notes that it serves as a foundation for his prayer for revival and restoration. As Henry notes, "The Lord's people are never satisfied unless they have the Lord's presence," and the psalmist's prayer for God's revival and restoration is a testament to this truth. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?