In this plea for mercy, the psalmist begins with a recounting of God’s merciful redemption of Israel in the past. It is in remembering what God has done in the past that gives hope for God’s continuing faithfulness in the present and in the time to come. The psalmist cries out to God, “Restore us again…put away your indignation…revive us again…show us your steadfast love…grant us your salvation.” No matter how bad things seem to be, there is no doubt expressed about God’s ability to forgive and restore. There is no question about God’s steadfast love. There is only a vision of what it might look like when God enacts it once again. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” In this, we see that God and God’s people are partnering in the redemption, revival, and restoration.
Often, we pray for God to fix things, but we fail to take accountability for our part in both the problem and the solution. As you look at the state of the world, what has been your prayer? When has God shown faithfulness in restoring and reviving the world in the past? What iniquities have we, as individuals, as a church, as a people, committed? How could you partner with God in enacting God’s steadfast love and faithfulness?
Offer a prayer of confession for your contribution to what seems like the grim state of the world and find hope for better days ahead in remembering God’s steadfast love for all of creation.