The Psalmist starts this prayer for restoration by recalling how God showed favor to his people in the past. God helped Israel, not because they were good, but because he extended forgiving grace to them. The psalmist now asks God to restore his people's fortunes again. At the time of the psalmist's writing, Israel is suffering under what seems like God's displeasure. Israel's enemies are oppressing them and keeping them fearful and impoverished. It feels to the psalmist like God was angry at his people for a long time, and so he asks, "Will you not revive us again?" This question seems infected with doubt. But when we bring everything we are struggling with to God in prayer, we can find God's answer.

After pouring out his agonies to God, the psalmist then turns to listen to God with an open heart (8). As a result, he gains spiritual vision and faith in in God's salvation (9). He confidently concludes that God must ultimately give what is good because God himself is good. God is the source of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace (10-11). God's righteousness and salvation are available to us today in Jesus. We can gain new assurance of this by listening to God's word.


Application: Father, please restore our nation and our church by your grace. I know I don't have to doubt because your salvation is now here in Jesus.
One Word: God gives righteousness abundantly.