How to Make a Fresh Start With God
-
Psalms 85
Close
Judging the Judges
In his sermon on Psalms 82–84, Stephen Davey explains how these psalms confront injustice, expose the motives of persecutors, and offer comfort to believers who feel small, restless, or mistreated. Psalm 82 depicts God standing in judgment over earthly rulers—called “gods” because they hold delegated authority—to condemn their corruption, favoritism, and failure to defend the weak. Davey notes that every judge and leader should remember their mortality and accountability, because one day they will stand before the Judge of all the earth. Psalm 83 then turns to the nations conspiring to destroy Israel, not because Israel had sinned, but because they hated God and therefore hated His people. Davey emphasizes that believers today often face hostility for the same reason—and that while it is appropriate at times to pray for God’s justice, the ultimate motive must be evangelistic: that the wicked would be humbled and come to know the Lord. Psalm 84, written by the sons of Korah, offers tender reassurance that God provides a home for the “sparrow” who feels worthless and a resting place for the “swallow” who feels restless. Davey concludes that in a world filled with injustice, hostility, and uncertainty, God Himself remains the believer’s refuge, welcome, and place of rest—inviting every weary heart to build its nest in His presence.
The Sting of Consequences and the Song of Confidence
In his sermon on Psalms 79–81, Stephen Davey shows how these three psalms guide believers through repentance, intercession, unity, and wholehearted worship. Psalm 79 laments the devastation of Jerusalem under Babylon’s attack, yet the Asaph who writes this psalm owns Israel’s guilt rather than blaming God. Davey explains that repentance always begins by admitting that the consequences of sin are deserved and by crying out, like Asaph, “How long, O Lord?” Humility prepares the way back to restored fellowship. In Psalm 80, Asaph pleads for God to reunite the divided tribes of Israel, illustrating how genuine prayer dissolves bitterness and cultivates unity; Davey notes that you cannot truly intercede for someone and continue resenting them. Psalm 81 then calls the people to joyful worship and renewed obedience, remembering God’s deliverance from Egypt and rejecting every “strange god” that might compete for their loyalty. Davey concludes that these psalms together teach believers to own their sin honestly, seek God humbly, pray for others selflessly, and worship Him exclusively—trusting the God who has guided His people in ages past and will remain faithful forever.
A Chain Reaction of Truth
In his sermon on Psalms 77–78, Stephen Davey explains how Asaph helps believers understand God’s mysterious guidance and their responsibility to pass truth to the next generation. Psalm 77 begins with Asaph reflecting on God’s unseen footsteps—His presence often hidden yet unmistakably real, like the thunder, waves, and lightning at the Red Sea. Davey compares this to Robinson Crusoe’s shock at finding a footprint on an empty beach: a sign that he was not alone. Asaph likewise realizes that even when God’s ways are unclear, God is faithfully shepherding His people. Psalm 78 then turns from reflection to responsibility. Asaph urges God’s people not to hide what they have learned but to create a “chain reaction” of truth—parents teaching children, who will teach their children, and so on. Davey highlights three priorities from the psalm: helping the next generation know who God is by seeing His works, helping them think biblically by teaching His commands, and helping them live wisely by learning from Israel’s failures rather than repeating them. He reminds listeners that this responsibility belongs to every believer—not only parents—as part of Christ’s Great Commission. Davey concludes that these psalms call God’s people to remember His faithfulness, trust His unseen guidance, and intentionally pass His truth to others so the chain of godly influence never breaks.
God Always Has the Final Word
In his sermon on Psalms 74–76, Stephen Davey explains how these three psalms offer hope to God’s people when they face discipline, injustice, or overwhelming danger. Psalm 74, written after Israel’s temple was destroyed, reflects a repentant nation asking God how long His discipline will last while acknowledging that their rebellion brought this suffering. Davey shows how the psalmist’s grief turns toward a new priority—restoring God’s reputation and trusting that He remains King even in judgment. Psalm 75 then announces God’s warning that a fixed day of justice is coming, when the wicked will drink the “cup” of His wrath—a stark contrast to believers, who are forgiven because Christ drank that cup on their behalf. Finally, Psalm 76 celebrates God’s dramatic rescue of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army, reminding worshipers that no human power can stand against His sovereign rule. Davey concludes that these psalms teach believers to repent humbly, wait patiently, trust confidently, and rest in the assurance that God—not the scoffer, not the enemy—always has the final word.
Finding Answers in the Sanctuary
Psalm 73:16–28 describes the turning point in Asaph’s struggle, and Stephen Davey explains how everything changed the moment Asaph stepped “into the sanctuary of God.” There, his confusion over the prosperity of the wicked gave way to clarity as he finally looked past their present ease to their eternal end—sudden destruction and terrifying judgment. This new perspective replaced envy with compassion. Asaph then saw his own heart clearly, confessing that bitterness had made him “brutish and ignorant,” but God had never let go of him. Davey highlights Asaph’s renewed confidence in God’s continual guarding (“You hold my right hand”), wise guiding (“You guide me with your counsel”), and glorious welcoming (“You will receive me to glory”). With his focus restored, Asaph declares that God Himself is his greatest treasure—“There is nothing on earth that I desire besides You”—and his unfailing strength when his heart and flesh fail. The psalm ends with joyful resolve: it is good to be near God, and the believer’s greatest purpose is to know Him and make Him known. Even though Asaph’s circumstances did not change, his perspective did—and with it came renewed peace, joy, and the strength to face another day.
Asking Seven Forbidden Questions
In Psalm 73:1–15, Stephen Davey explains how Asaph—the gifted Levite musician appointed by David—nearly walked away from ministry because he couldn’t reconcile God’s goodness with the prosperity of the wicked. Asaph begins with the truth that “God is good to Israel,” yet immediately admits that his faith almost collapsed as he envied unbelievers who seemed healthier, wealthier, freer from trouble, and even admired for their arrogance. Davey highlights seven “forbidden questions” Asaph was secretly asking: Why do unbelievers have more money, less pressure, better health, fewer troubles, more honor, more applause for blasphemy, and seemingly greater success than God’s people? Asaph even wondered whether his own devotion to God had been pointless since he faced constant conviction and hardship while unbelievers appeared carefree. Though he kept these thoughts hidden to avoid harming younger believers, he now records them in Scripture—proof that God invites honesty rather than pretended piety. Davey notes that Asaph’s raw confusion reflects the common struggles of every believer who measures life by temporary circumstances, and that this psalm sets the stage for the turning point Asaph will experience when he steps back into God’s sanctuary.
Walking with God Through Life
Psalms 70–72 close the second book of Psalms by highlighting three essential aspects of walking with God: urgent dependence, lifelong faithfulness, and a forward-looking confidence in God’s kingdom. Stephen Davey explains that Psalm 70 captures David crying out for immediate help—“Make haste, O God!”—showing that God welcomes honest, urgent prayers rooted in trust rather than formality. Psalm 71 expands the theme across an entire lifetime as the psalmist, now an older believer, recalls God’s faithfulness from youth to gray hair and renews his commitment to influence the next generation for God’s glory. Finally, Psalm 72 is David’s prayer for Solomon, asking God to make his son a righteous and compassionate king whose reign refreshes others “like rain on mown grass,” while ultimately pointing to the future kingdom of Christ. Davey concludes that these psalms together teach believers to call on God in crisis, walk with Him faithfully through all seasons of life, and live with a kingdom-centered hope that shapes how they bless and lead others.
A Closer Look at the Sufferings of Christ
Psalm 69 offers one of the clearest prophetic windows into the sufferings of Jesus Christ, and Stephen Davey explains how David—writing as both poet and prophet—describes not only the facts of the Messiah’s suffering but the feelings of it. David’s cries about sinking into “deep mire” ultimately point to Christ, who willingly took on the filth of the world’s sin and bore it in His body on the cross. The psalm also foretells the emotional pain Jesus endured, including rejection by His own brothers and by the nation He came to save. Davey traces how the New Testament directly applies several verses from this psalm to Christ: His family’s unbelief, His zeal in cleansing the temple, and His thirst on the cross when He was offered sour wine. Psalm 69 then widens to the future, promising that God will restore Zion and establish His kingdom, where those who “love His name” will dwell with Him. Davey emphasizes that just as every prophecy about Christ’s first coming was fulfilled in perfect detail, so every prophecy about His coming kingdom will be fulfilled as well. For believers, this psalm deepens gratitude for Jesus’ willing sacrifice and strengthens confidence that God’s redemptive plan remains right on schedule.
God Leads His Dear Children Along
Psalms 66–68 remind believers that God leads His children through every season—mountaintop joy, deep valleys, flood, fire, and sorrow—yet always brings them safely to His intended destination. Stephen Davey explains that Psalm 66 reflects the psalmist’s testimony of suffering, refinement, and ultimate deliverance: God tests His people as silver, carries them through crushing burdens, and then leads them “to a place of abundance.” This theme inspired the hymn God Leads Us Along, written by George Young after losing his home to arson—an example of trusting God even when life burns down around you. Psalm 67 widens the lens to God’s global plan, pointing to the future millennial kingdom when Christ reigns, Israel is restored, and nations around the world rejoice in His righteous rule. Psalm 68 then showcases the incomparable power and compassion of God—the One who scatters His enemies like melting wax yet cares tenderly for widows, the fatherless, and the needy. Davey notes that this psalm anticipates Christ’s future reign from Jerusalem, where all kingdoms will praise Him and acknowledge His majesty. Until that day, believers cling to the assurance of Psalm 68:19: “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up,” trusting that the same God who guides history also guides His dear children along every step of their journey.
Security and Satisfaction
Psalms 63–65 reveal how true security and satisfaction are found only in God’s presence. Stephen Davey explains that Psalm 63 was written while David hid in the wilderness, thirsty for God’s fellowship more than physical comfort. He compares the soul’s longing for God to hunger and thirst in a dry land and shows that clinging to God brings joy and stability—because while believers hold fast in faith, God’s strong hand upholds them. Psalm 64 addresses verbal attacks from David’s enemies—“arrows” of slander and malice. Instead of retaliating, David runs to God for refuge and trusts Him for vindication. Psalm 65 shifts to scenes of abundance, praising the Lord for His grace, forgiveness, and provision that nourishes both the land and the heart. Davey concludes that lasting pleasure is God’s invention—found not in worldly amusement but in walking with Him. Like the overflowing harvest David describes, God’s faithfulness fills life with joy, security, and satisfaction that will one day be perfected in heaven.