Psalm 81 - When Heaven and Earth Don’t Collide
There were many times in Israel ancient history when Israel was not in God’s will. There were also many times when they were. It is similar to how our lives go today. As Christians, we know God, and know we are supposed to live in faith toward God, but we often do not. Well, before there were Christians, there was Israel! And this Psalm gives an excellent example of a prayer for realignment with the Lord.
 1 You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
      you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
      and covered all their sins.
      Selah
 3 You set aside all your wrath
      and turned from your fierce anger.
“I have been in your favor before God, and remember when I experienced your blessings every day. I was but a sinner, but you sent your Son to die for me, so that I could be by your side in Heaven one day as your child. I remember that God, and wonder what it is that happened to my life since then…”
 4 Restore us again, O God our Savior,
      and put away your displeasure toward us. 5 Will you be angry with us forever?
      Will you prolong your anger through all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again,
      that your people may rejoice in you?
 7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
      and grant us your salvation.
“Dear Lord, it’s been so long, but I still remember. Will I not live in Your favor again? Will I not worship You again in spirit and in truth? Will You not fill me like you need when my faith was new?”
 8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
      he promises peace to his people, his saints—
      but let them not return to folly.
“I know that, like the prodigal son, I went my own way. But like the prodigal son, I also know that where you are is the only true happiness I have ever known. I know this, because I looked elsewhere and could not find it. And so here I am, hoping you’ll take me back… knowing I don’t deserve it, not knowing what must happen next.”
 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
      that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
      righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
      and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The LORD will indeed give what is good,
      and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him
      and prepares the way for his steps.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of many things: knowledge, wisdom, peace, happiness. Well, if these are manifestations of belief and obedience, than I’m ready to add something to that list of what “the fear of the Lord” brings… righteousness!
I have been writing of how God grants righteousness in response to belief and obedience (faith essentially), and no where is that put more clearly than in Psalm 81!