Psalm 85-86

Reviving Our Souls: A Journey Through Psalm 85-86

Bible Passage: Psalm 85, Psalm 86

Summary: Psalm 85 speaks of God's restoration and the longing for peace, while Psalm 86 expresses a personal cry for help and divine mercy amidst trouble. Together, they highlight the relationship between God's forgiveness, restoration, and our need for dependence on Him.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to seek God not only for forgiveness but for daily revival and strength in their spiritual walk. It addresses the struggles of feeling distant from God and highlights how turning to Him can lead to renewal and hope.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on God's character as a merciful and gracious God who hears the cries of His people. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, prayer, and reliance on God for restoration and peace in our lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, these Psalms point to Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God's mercy and forgiveness. He fulfills the promise of restoration through His sacrifice and intercession for believers, highlighting our need for Him in every aspect of our lives.

Big Idea: The big idea is that true revival and restoration come from our sincere relationship with God, characterized by repentance, prayer, and an acknowledgment of His mercy.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider looking into different translations of Psalm 85-86 using Logos to capture the nuances of the Hebrew text. Investigate commentaries that highlight the historical context of Israel's plea for revival. Additionally, explore the thematic connections between the Psalms and New Testament references to Jesus' mercy, which can provide deeper insight into your message.

1. Remember God's Restoration

Psalm 85:1-3

You could start by reflecting on God's past acts of restoration and forgiveness. Emphasize the importance of remembering how God has worked in our lives before, which can bolster our faith for current struggles. This initial recognition sets the stage for understanding and expecting His continued faithfulness, resonating with the big idea of sincere relationship with God for revival.

2. Request Divine Revival

Psalm 85:4-7

Perhaps examine how the psalmist's plea for revival and mercy highlights our need for ongoing repentance. This call to action suggests that genuine revival starts when we acknowledge our shortcomings and turn back to God, creating a heartfelt connection that invites His renewing presence.

3. Receive God's Promises

Psalm 85:8-13

Consider illustrating the assurance that comes from listening to God's promises of peace and salvation. This part of the sermon's journey encourages the congregation to trust in what God says, bridging the human experience of need with divine assurance, and showing how peace follows true revival.

4. Rely on God's Mercy

Psalm 86:1-7

Maybe delve into the personal aspect of crying out to God in distress. Highlight how David's personal prayer for help models what it means to be vulnerable in God's presence, underscoring the sermon's big idea that revival involves personal, sincere communication with God.

5. Rest in God's Greatness

Psalm 86:8-17

You could conclude by emphasizing God's incomparable greatness and faithfulness to those who seek Him. This final point serves as a reminder of God's unique ability to renew and restore, encouraging believers to hold firm in faith that He alone is capable of providing the mercy and strength needed for revival.