Psalms 85:12

“Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good, and our land shall yield her increase.”

Context:Psalm 85 is a psalm attributed to the sons of Korah. It is a prayer for the restoration of God’s favour and forgiveness for the nation of Israel. The psalmist acknowledges God’s past acts of mercy, asks for revival and restoration, and expresses hope in God’s deliverance.

God’s goodness:The verse begins with the affirmation that the LORD, who is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, will give that which is good. This statement reflects the psalmist’s trust and confidence in God’s character. It emphasises that God is the source of all that is good and that He graciously provides for His people.

Provision and abundance:The second part of the verse speaks of the land yielding her increase. In an agricultural society like ancient Israel, a fruitful land was crucial for sustenance and prosperity. This statement implies that God will bless the land with abundant harvests and productivity. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness in providing for the physical needs of His people.

Spiritual application:While this verse has immediate relevance to the agricultural context of ancient Israel, we can also apply it spiritually to our lives today. As believers, we can trust in God’s goodness and provision for all aspects of our lives. God desires to bless us and provide for our needs, both materially and spiritually. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

Gratitude and trust:Reflecting on Psalm 85:12 should encourage us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God. We should acknowledge His goodness and provision in our lives, recognising that all good things come from Him. Even during challenging times, we can trust that God will provide what is good for us according to His wisdom and timing.

Application:To apply this verse, we can:

• Cultivate a heart of gratitude:Take time to thank God for His goodness and provision in your life. Develop a habit of recognising and appreciating His blessings.
• Trust in God’s provision:Instead of worrying about material needs, trust in God’s faithfulness. Seek His kingdom and righteousness first, knowing that He will provide what is needed (Matthew 6:33).
• Seek spiritual abundance:Recognise that God’s provision extends beyond physical needs. Seek to grow in your relationship with Him, seeking His wisdom, guidance, and spiritual blessings.

Remember, studying and meditating on God’s Word helps us deepen our understanding of His character and strengthens our faith. May this study of Psalm 85:12 encourage you to trust in God’s goodness and provision in your life.