I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. 9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. (Psalm 85:8-13)

What are you anticipating? What is coming that you are looking toward with a level of excitement or enthusiasm? A game of golf in the coming week with old friends? A hunting trip? A safari or tour of the Nile (our team in Uganda)? Christmas perhaps holds a special place this year as family gathers could be a source of excitement (or dread depending on the family).

Today's passage is written by an unknown psalmist looking for restoration and salvation. The notes state that this is probably written for the returning exiles from Babylon. Do we anticipate restoration which we hope will make us whole again? Last year at this time I had been diagnosed with cancer (prostate). My prayers were for healing and wholeness again. I know that there are many who pray for restoration or wholeness from an abundance of issues.

We turn to God for restoration and wholeness often. Isaiah does as well in similar language, possibly citing this very psalm. From Isaiah 46:12-13 - Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.

As we look back at the psalmist, v 10 stands out to me in its reference to love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace. Those four traits of faith in God rarely meet in our sin-filled world. We desperately seek those during our lives and we see this in a world that sees turmoil an strife daily.

The commentary on v 13 in Isaiah is clear though, our salvation comes in the form of Christ.

As we look with anticipation today in worship, perhaps we focus on that during Advent. Christ's return and the restoration that comes with that. Our prayer as we draw near for worship is a prayer of invitation, asking Christ to come. Come Lord Jesus, come.