Dear Behold friends,
We were chatting this week about just how much signs of Spring (sunshine, warmer weather, flowers blooming) can lift our spirits. With temperatures rising and beautiful foliage to behold, it’s somehow easier to be hopeful and energized throughout our daily lives. I love reflecting on the little signs of life and newness that are embedded into the patterns of the planet that is our home.
In the spirit of Spring and hope and God’s faithfulness, this month we are going to spend some time reflecting on and memorizing Psalm 85. If you’ve been following along, you might remember that we are trying to commit one new Psalm to memory every month this year—in hopes that God’s word will become so well-embedded in us that it sustains us throughout the joys and trials of each day.
I hope this Psalm and the habits of the month of May will lift your heart as much as they have mine.
Lord, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way.Psalm 85 (ESV)
In Christ,
Rebecca and Ope
Suggestions for Further Reading/Listening
“The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism” by Aaron Renn at First Things
“Stained Glass Needs Saving” by Susan Fletcher at Christianity Today
Podcast: “Slow Answers to Hard Prayers” with Tish Harrison Warren at Christianity Today
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