Psalm 85: When Did Your Church Last Confess Sin Together?

Psalm 85 is a community lament because God is withholding blessings, likely a good harvest, because the people have been unfaithful. The people ask for forgiveness for all of the people. They recall God’s steadfast love, his faithfulness to the covenant, and his righteousness. 1-3 – The psalm begins by recounting a past time when God showed his favor, forgave his people, and restored their fortunes. 4-7 – Now a plea to once again restore the people and to forgive them. 8-9 – The congregation waits in patience for God to answer their request for peace and restoration. 10-13 – God’s attributes of steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace are praised.