In what ways can joy in God be restored, as Psalm 85:6 suggests? The heartbeat of Psalm 85:6 “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6). Joy is inseparably linked to God’s reviving work; when He breathes new life into His people, rejoicing naturally follows. Recognize the need for revival • Honest assessment—see where love has cooled or obedience faltered (Revelation 2:4–5). • Acknowledge that joy is a gift only God can restore; self-effort alone cannot manufacture it (John 15:11). Return through confession and repentance • Lay sin bare before the Lord, echoing David: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). • Repentance clears away the debris that blocks fellowship, making room for joy’s return (Isaiah 57:15). Rehearse God’s faithfulness • Recall past deliverances mentioned earlier in the psalm (Psalm 85:1–3). • Meditate on personal testimonies of God’s goodness; gratitude rekindles gladness (Psalm 103:2). Receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing • Believe the promise that confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Accept Christ’s finished work; guilt surrendered becomes gladness discovered (Romans 5:1–2). Reside in the Word • Scripture revives the soul and rejoices the heart (Psalm 19:7–8). • Daily intake of truth steadies emotions and feeds delight (Jeremiah 15:16). Remain in prayerful communion • Persistent, thankful prayer releases anxiety and ushers in peace that guards joy (Philippians 4:6–7). • Expect the Spirit to impart hope “so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Rejoice in worship • Engage heart and voice: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). • Praise even before feelings catch up; joy often follows obedient worship (Habakkuk 3:17–18). Re-engage in fellowship • Joy multiplies in the gathered people of God (Psalm 122:1). • Mutual encouragement fans the flame of gladness (Hebrews 10:24–25). Reach out in service • Pouring into others opens fresh channels for joy (Acts 20:35). • Serving showcases Christ’s love, causing hearts—both yours and theirs—to rejoice (Philippians 2:17–18). Rest in hope and expectation • Trust God’s timing; He “who began a good work in you” will complete it (Philippians 1:6). • Look ahead to fullness of joy in His presence forever (Psalm 16:11; 1 Peter 1:8). By following these biblical patterns, the cry of Psalm 85:6 moves from petition to experience: God revives, and His people rejoice in Him again. |
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