December 9 — Psalm 85:8–13

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; 
  He promises peace to His people, His saints—
  never let them return to folly. 
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, 
  that His glory may dwell in our land.

Loving devotion and faithfulness meet; 
  righteousness and peace kiss.
Faithfulness sprouts from the earth, 
  and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The LORD will indeed provide what is good, 
  and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him 
  to prepare the way for His steps.
— Psalm 85:8–13


Psalm 85 invites us into a posture that is essential during Advent: listening. “I will listen to what God the LORD will say,” the psalmist begins, reminding us that peace does not come through our striving but through God’s speaking. The world is filled with noise—anxieties, responsibilities, distractions—but Advent gently calls us to silence, to attentiveness, to the patient expectancy of hearts that are ready to receive God’s voice. God promises peace to His people, peace rooted not in circumstances but in His presence. The psalm teaches us that salvation is near, that God is drawing close, and that His glory is not distant but longing to dwell among His people.

The poetry of this passage is striking: “Loving devotion and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss.” It paints a picture of a world reordered by the character of God Himself. The virtues that in human strength often feel separated—love and truth, justice and peace—are brought together in perfect unity under God’s reign. This harmony reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, the One in whom righteousness and peace embrace at the cross. In Him, God’s steadfast love meets our deepest needs, and His faithfulness answers our greatest failures. Advent invites us to hope for the day when this harmony fills the earth—and to begin living in that harmony now.

As you meditate on Psalm 85, consider these questions: What helps you slow down and truly listen for God’s voice? Where do you sense God calling you away from “folly”—from patterns that lead to restlessness rather than peace? How might righteousness and peace “kiss” in your own choices today? And where can you trust that God is already preparing the way ahead of you, even in places where you cannot yet see the path clearly?

For today’s practice, set aside two minutes of intentional silence. Turn off every source of noise—screens, alerts, background sound—and simply breathe the prayer: “Speak, Lord, I am listening.” Afterward, write down a word or phrase that emerges—something that brings peace, correction, encouragement, or clarity. Throughout the day, return to that word as a reminder that God is indeed speaking and that His salvation draws near.


Loving God, 

Help me listen for Your voice in the silence of this day. Let Your loving devotion and faithfulness shape my heart, and let Your righteousness and peace guide my steps. Prepare my way ahead of me, Lord, and teach me to trust that Your salvation is near. 

I pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

-

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