Psalms 85:7

Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.

Psalms 85:7 (KJV)

Context

The book of Psalms is a collection of poetic expressions of praise, thanksgiving, lament, and worship. Psalm 85 is attributed to the sons of Korah and is a prayer for restoration and revival. In verse 7, the psalmist pleads for God’s mercy and salvation.

Meaning

The psalmist acknowledges the need for God’s mercy. Mercy is an expression of God’s compassion, withholding the punishment we deserve for our sins. It implies a recognition of our unworthiness and a plea for God’s forgiveness and favor. The Hebrew word often translated as “mercy” can also be rendered “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love,” emphasizing God’s covenant loyalty and compassion toward His people.

The psalmist also acknowledges the need for salvation. Salvation refers to God’s deliverance and rescue from various forms of trouble, including spiritual and physical distress. It encompasses the redemption and restoration of a person’s relationship with God. The plea is for God’s love to be made manifest and experienced tangibly, and for His salvation to be granted.

The psalmist’s plea for mercy and salvation reflects an awareness of human limitations and dependence on God. It acknowledges that only God can provide the mercy and salvation needed to overcome sin, restore brokenness, and experience true deliverance. This request is grounded in the experience of former mercies, as the psalm opens by recalling how God has been favorable to His land and forgiven the iniquity of His people.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to the broader biblical theme that salvation belongs to the Lord, and that His mercy is shown forth in Christ, the promised Savior. The psalmist’s prayer models humility, trust, and dependence on God’s grace, encouraging believers to approach God with the same posture, seeking His mercy and salvation in their own lives.

Application

As we reflect on this verse, we can apply it to our own lives:

• Humility: Recognize our need for God’s mercy and salvation. No matter how good we may perceive ourselves to be, we all fall short of God’s perfect standards. We must approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and grace.

• Trust in God: The psalmist’s plea demonstrates a deep trust in God’s character and willingness to extend mercy and grant salvation. We too can trust in God’s faithfulness and compassion, knowing that He is always ready to extend His mercy and provide salvation to those who seek Him.

• Pray for mercy and salvation: Like the psalmist, we can pray for God’s mercy and salvation in our lives. Whether we need forgiveness, healing, deliverance, or restoration, we can approach God in prayer, seeking His mercy and asking for His intervention in our circumstances.

• Gratitude: When we experience God’s mercy and salvation, it should lead us to gratitude and praise. Recognizing the depth of God’s mercy and the magnitude of His salvation should fill our hearts with thanksgiving and motivate us to live in obedience and devotion to Him.

Remember that Psalms 85:7 is a heartfelt plea to God, expressing the psalmist’s desire for mercy and salvation. It reminds us of our need for God’s grace and encourages us to approach Him with humility, trust, and thanksgiving.

Reflection

Consider how the psalmist’s plea for mercy and salvation can shape your own prayers. In what areas of life do you need to cry out, “Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation“? Let this verse encourage you to approach God with confidence, knowing that He delights to show mercy and to save those who call upon Him.