Psalms 85 is a psalm that centers around themes of forgiveness, restoration, and hope for the future. It can be broken down as follows:

Verses 1-3: The psalmist begins by recounting God’s past mercies and forgiveness towards the people of Israel.

Life Application: Remembering and acknowledging past mercies can foster gratitude and faith in God’s continued goodness.

Verses 4-7: The psalmist pleads for restoration and revival, seeking God’s mercy and salvation once more.

Life Application: During times of trouble or distance from God, seeking His mercy and salvation can lead to restoration.

Verses 8-9: The psalmist expresses a willingness to listen to what the Lord will say, emphasizing that God promises peace to His people.

Life Application: Actively listening for God’s guidance and believing in His promises can bring peace and direction in life.

Verses 10-13: The final verses depict a vision of harmony, where love and truth meet and righteousness and peace kiss each other. The psalmist describes a landscape where faithfulness springs forth, and righteousness looks down from above.

Life Application: These verses can inspire hope for a harmonious world and encourage individuals to cultivate love, truth, righteousness, and peace in their lives.

In summary, Psalms 85 serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness. It encourages believers to seek God’s face for restoration and to cultivate virtues that contribute to a harmonious and righteous life.