My Bible reading this morning stirred a longing inside me that surprised me. I do pray for my country, but the words of Psalm 85 give voice to such a deep longing for God’s presence in the land. I want that for my country, too! Take a look:

“I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Psalm 85:8-13

Isn’t that beautiful? Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Love and faithfulness go hand in hand. If a wife is unfaithful to her husband, the bonds of love are damaged. If God’s people are unfaithful to Him, how can the bond of love not be damaged as well? But God loves perfectly, and His faithfulness endures forever. Likewise, righteousness and peace go hand in hand. When I’m given over to unrighteous acts, I feel no peace in my soul. But when I accept the gift of forgiveness God offers through Jesus, I am covered under the umbrella of His righteousness – and oh! the peace that floods my soul!

How I want God’s peace in my country. How I want His righteousness to bring forth the harvest for which this country was planted — a harvest of liberty and freedom and care for the oppressed peoples of the world. I want God’s glory to dwell in this land!