Salvation Is Near

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Tim Farley

Reading the Word

Psalm 85:9–13 (ESV)

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.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Righteous is near to those who fear God. Through this salvation there is restoration. Verses 9-13 describe the restoration that is pictured throughout the Bible. It will be characterized by the steadfast love of God and the faithfulness of his people. It will be a time of righteousness and peace. God, in his goodness, is will restore the land.

In the Book of Revelation, the eternal state is described as a new creation where sin and the curse of Genesis 3 have been finally dealt with and eliminated. In the new world there is no more pain or suffering or death. Instead, there is righteousness and peace and life eternal. This is the hope of the gospel and the what salvation is about. One day, all who fear the Lord will dwell in his presence in the new world.

**Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. Please use the links at the bottom to subscribe to this page. You can also share this post with your friends through social media using the buttons below. Thanks for reading!

God Speaks Peace to His People

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Tim Farley

Reading the Word

Psalm 85:1–8 (ESV)

¹ 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.

Understanding and Applying the Word

These verses describe a restored relationship between God and his people. God, in his grace, forgave the people of their sin and showed his love for them.

Our sin is a great offense to God because he is holy. We are told that our sin separates us from God and that we stand condemned as a result. Yet, God is gracious and forgiving towards those who will repent of their sin and call out to him for forgiveness. He speaks peace to the repentant and restores the lost relationship. No longer does our sin condemn us, but we are called the people of God.

How is this possible? Because of the cross. Jesus Christ suffered and died in our place. He paid for our sin so that we could go free. The cross is the reminder that peace with God has been made possible for all who believe. Praise the Lord for his salvation!

Fret Not

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Tim Farley

Reading the Word

Psalm 37:7–11 (ESV)

⁷ Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! ⁸ Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. ⁹ For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. ¹⁰ In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. ¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Understanding and Applying the Word

In this psalm we find the phrase “fret not yourself” repeated three times. The phrase appears as the first words of Psalm 37:1 and then again in verses 7 and 8. The Hebrew word translated as fret means “to be heated or enraged”. It has the idea of getting angry over the success of the wicked (cf. verse 8). Proverbs 24:19 repeats this instruction.

Rather than allow ourselves to get angry because evildoers seem to prosper, we are told to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”. What does this mean? We are to trust that God knows and that he will take care of these things. Evil and those who participate in it will be judged. The wicked will be no more and those who trust in and depend on the Lord will inherit the land and dwell in peace.

When we read the end of the Bible, Revelation 21 tells us what awaits those who are the people of God. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where sin and evil are no more. God will dwell with his people and there will be peace. The meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). What a day that will be!

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Tim Farley

Reading the Word

Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV)

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Psalm 23 is one of the most recognizable passages in all of Scripture. It is beloved by many and is a source of great comfort for all who believe its message. In it, God is pictured as a gentle and caring shepherd who provides for his sheep. The psalmist tells us that God’s provision is such that his sheep “shall not want”. They lack nothing.

God also is pictured as a constant companion, even in the difficult times of life. In the valley of the shadow of death God is there and is a source of comfort. In the presence of enemies who would do harm, God takes care of his people and provides abundantly.

Wherever you may be and whatever you are facing, you can find comfort in knowing that the Good Shepherd is with you and will provide for you. And one day his children will be home and with him forever.

In Peace I Lie Down and Sleep

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Tim Farley

Reading the Word

Psalm 4:1–8 (ESV)

¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! ² O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah³ But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. ⁴ Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah⁵ Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. ⁶ There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” ⁷ You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. ⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Understanding and Applying the Word

David begins this psalm with a prayer to God. He then goes on to appeal to men to turn from their ways and to seek after God. The word that is used for “men” in verse 2 is one that refers to men of high rank. David’s concern is that they would turn to God for their fulfillment. He then calls on these men to live their lives in obedience. As the psalm comes to a close, David once again calls out to God to bless the people and reflects upon the blessings he has already received. Because of God’s presence, David can lie down in safety.

What is it that you seek to fulfill your life? Is it wealth? Is it a spouse? Children? A rewarding career? What is it that you seek above all other things? If it is anything other than God it is an idol and a lie. It cannot fulfill you. Only with God can we find joy and contentment in all circumstances. And only in God can we lie down at night and rest peacefully knowing our lives are secure.

Shaped by the Word

A Bible Reading Devotional

Tag Archives: Peace

Salvation Is Near

God Speaks Peace to His People

Fret Not

The Lord Is My Shepherd

In Peace I Lie Down and Sleep

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