Psalms 85:4 – “Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Psalm 85:4, the psalmist is crying out to God for restoration. The request to “restore us again” shows that the people have experienced God’s mercy before and are seeking it once more. They recognize God as their Savior, the only one who can turn their situation around. The plea to “put away your displeasure” reflects an acknowledgment of the people’s sins and a desire for God’s favor to return. The verse captures a heartfelt prayer for a renewed relationship with God, highlighting a deep awareness of their need for His mercy and forgiveness.
Historical Context
This Psalm was likely composed after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. The people had been through a long season of hardship as a result of their disobedience. While they had experienced a measure of God’s deliverance by being brought back to their homeland, the restoration was not yet complete. They still faced the consequences of their past actions and needed God’s ongoing intervention to fully restore their land, their communities, and their hearts. This prayer reflects the collective yearning for God’s continued grace to heal their brokenness.
Theological Implications
Psalm 85:4 speaks to the nature of God as both just and merciful. The verse acknowledges that God’s displeasure is a result of sin, yet it also reveals the hope that God is willing to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. It highlights the concept that true restoration comes not from human effort, but from God’s intervention. For believers, this teaches that even after we’ve fallen short, God is willing to restore us if we sincerely seek Him. It emphasizes the truth that God is both our Savior and our Restorer.
Literary Analysis
This verse is written as a plea, reflecting a tone of urgency and humility. The repetition of “restore us again” indicates that the people are aware of past times when God had forgiven and helped them. The language is direct and heartfelt, with a focus on God’s identity as Savior. The structure of the verse shows a balance between confession (acknowledging God’s displeasure) and hope (asking for restoration). The psalmist’s choice of words highlights both the people’s dependence on God and their trust in His character.
Biblical Cross-References
The themes in Psalm 85:4 are echoed in other parts of Scripture:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
- Lamentations 5:21 – “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old.”
- Hosea 6:1 – “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”
These passages all emphasize the idea that God is eager to restore those who turn back to Him in humility.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 85:4 is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may have drifted, God is always ready to restore us. It encourages believers to come to God with honest hearts, asking for forgiveness and renewal. When we feel distant from God or weighed down by past mistakes, this verse invites us to turn to Him with confidence, knowing that He is a Savior who delights in bringing us back into a right relationship with Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 85:4 reveals God’s heart of love and compassion. God’s displeasure is never aimed at destroying us but rather at leading us back to Himself. His desire is always to restore, heal, and renew. The verse shows that God’s love is patient and longsuffering—He is willing to set aside His displeasure when we sincerely seek Him. It is a testament to His unchanging nature as a loving Father who is always ready to welcome us back.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The ultimate fulfillment of this cry for restoration is found in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for all people to be fully restored to God. In Colossians 1:13-14, we are reminded, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus is the one who turns God’s displeasure away from us by taking on the punishment for our sins. Because of Him, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that restoration is always available.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you need God’s restoration right now?
- How does knowing that God is eager to forgive and restore encourage you in your walk with Him?
- Are there any areas where you feel distant from God? How can this verse inspire you to seek Him again?
- How can remembering God’s past acts of restoration in your life strengthen your faith today?
- How does Jesus’ work on the cross assure you that God’s displeasure has been turned away?
Psalm 85:4 is a reminder that God’s heart is always inclined toward mercy and restoration. When we sincerely turn to Him, we can trust that He will hear our cries, forgive our sins, and restore our hearts.