Past Faithfulness…Future Faith

Keith Ferrin was invited to write a week of devotionals for the Evangelical Covenant Home Altar.  Keith gives us a sneak peek into one of them in this post. You can access the full week of devotionals beginning on Sunday at this link. – ed.

The best way to trust God with your future is to intentionally remind yourself of His trustworthiness in your past. It seems the sons of Korah – the authors of Psalm 85 – knew that truth.

In the middle of this psalm they ask God to “restore us,” “revive us” and “show us your unfailing love.” Before they make their request, they recount many ways God has already shown His faithfulness.

God showed favor. He restored fortunes. He forgave guilt. He covered sin. He withdrew fury. He turned from anger. Only after looking back, did they make their request.

After that, they look ahead with faith, hope, and confidence. I picture them smiling as they write of God…

…declaring peace… a near salvation… glory dwelling in the land… truth springing up… righteousness looking down… the Lord providing what is good.

They remembered. Then they requested. Then they rejoiced. May you and I do the same.

Faithful, trustworthy Father. Remind me of Your faithfulness, so that I may move forward with faith. Amen.

PSALM 85:1-2, 8-13

O Lord, You showed favor to Your land;

You restored the captivity of Jacob.

You forgave the iniquity of Your people;

You covered all their sin. Selah.

I will hear what God the Lord will say;

For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;

But let them not turn back to folly.

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

That glory may dwell in our land.

Lovingkindness and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth springs from the earth,

And righteousness looks down from heaven.

Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,

And our land will yield its produce.

Righteousness will go before Him

And will make His footsteps into a way.

NASB - 1995