Psalm 85:8-13 “I will hear what God, the LORD, will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, his saints; but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase. Righteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps.”

Having requested God to be merciful, the Psalmist waits to hear His reply, fully convinced that God will give the nation what is good. This assurance comes from the belief that His people are truly repentant and fear Him. His mercy comes because they have chosen to be righteous.

This Psalm gives us a wonderful picture of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. God is righteous, and we are not. That’s why Jesus went to the cross. He obeyed God and becomes our righteousness, so that we can experience God’s mercy and His peace. In Jesus, mercy and truth meet. In Jesus, righteousness and peace kiss. When we choose Jesus, we choose righteousness. It’s His righteousness, but the change that it brings in our lives empowers us to live more righteously now that we know Him!

Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the fulfilment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Romans 8:10 “If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

For additional worship: Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness (Darby Hughes)