“I will hear [with expectant hope] what God the Lord will say,
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones—
But let them not turn again to folly.”
Psalm 85:8 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Expectant hope…words that bring peace…the author of this Psalm encourages us to listen to what the Lord will say to His people. In the preceding verses, the psalmist recalls how the Lord has graciously forgiven sins and restored the joy of salvation to His godly ones – those chosen by God for His purposes. The psalmist expects to hear God’s words of peace – the peace of salvation that brings joy and quiets the doubt and fears that can so quickly consume our thoughts. This peace and joy, found in God’s words, is a comforting reassurance in our lives.
Listening to God’s words helps us fight against the temptation to fall back into the folly of old sins. As we take to heart all the Lord has done to make us His people. He removed His wrath and placed it on Jesus Christ, making a way for us to be reconciled with Him – may our hearts be tuned to hear Him speak words of love, joy, and peace. As we listen to His word, may we find the strength to trust and love Him even more.
A Touch of Grace:
How has the Lord prepared your heart to hear Him speak?
What Scripture has the Lord spoken that brings peace to your soul?
Grace Application:
Do you find it difficult to still your thoughts, quiet your soul, and listen to what the Lord says through His word? You are not alone. Many of us face this struggle, especially with constant distractions trying to distract our attention from spending time with God. Often, when I sit down to be alone with God, a pup needs to go out – or the lure of emails/social media/news – interrupts my thoughts. I have to plan ahead to make sure the pups have taken care of business and put my electronic device away. Easier said than done.
Though it can be challenging to carve out space each day to be still and spend time with the Lord, the benefits of quieting our souls are immeasurable. We are assured of His goodness, mercy, steadfast love, and grace as we read His word. We are admonished to flee temptations, confess our sins quickly, seek peace with those around us, rejoice, and freely share the gospel of grace. These benefits inspire and motivate us to make time for the Lord in our daily lives.
Listening to a song by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend reminded me of the joy of tuning my heart to hear the Lord speak.
“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.”1
May we come to the feast of God’s Holy Word and be transformed as we listen to Him with expectant hope. May His grace fill you with peace and joy each day. In His Grace – Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to you in the name of my Savior Christ Jesus, thankful that You speak to me through Your Word. Lord, give me ears to listen and a heart to obey as Your words of peace fill my mind. Thank you for forgiving my sins – which are many – and for giving me Your word to guide me. May Your truth be deeply planted in my heart so that Your purposes bring You glory. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please seek God to erase your doubts. Today is a good day for the assurance of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
1 – Speak, O Lord/Hymnary.org