“LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. Turn us, O God and cause thine anger toward us to cease.” (Psalm 85:1-4)

When we read the Holy Scriptures and all the precious words therein, we see all the mighty works God has wrought out to glorify His matchless name and to save His people in perfect righteousness and everlasting salvation. We know beyond any questionable doubt that God has done a mighty and glorious work of redemption for His people (Matthew 1:21). The declaration of this Psalm is, salvation is of the LORD. Notice all that, “thou hast” done. God has:

• “Been favourable.”
• “Brought back.”
• “Forgiven iniquity.”
• “Covered all sin.”
• “Taken away all wrath.”
• “Turned from the fierceness of thine anger.”

God has done a glorious work for us, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other,” that took place at Calvary. God in Christ crucified is both a Just God and glorious Saviour (Isaiah 45:21; Romans 3:26).

Now the cry of our heart should be, Lord do a mighty work in us, “Turn us, O God of our Salvation” (Psalm 85:4). This is His gracious work of regeneration. God in sovereign grace must make application to the sinner’s heart (Ephesians 2:1; Philippians 1:6). This work is carried out through the proclamation of the gospel (1st Corinthians 1:21; James 1:18) and the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ to the heart by the Holy Spirit (1st Corinthians 2:9-10; John 16:13-15). We preach not what the sinner must do, but rather, we proclaim what God has done for us and must do in us, “Salvation is of the LORD” (Psalm 37:39; Jonah 2:9). God has purposed this for His glory and our eternal good!