The Undivided One

The psalmist finds consolation and encouragement in exile by reflecting on the character of God made known in his past acts. God has been gracious in the past, so we look for that for the present and future.

The focus is on God’s glory. The psalmist pleads for the restoration of the people, for God’s anger to subside, and for a new beginningﾗbut the purpose is to “rejoice in you” (6). The psalmist’s desire is that God’s people should once again discover his quality of “unfailing love” (7), the Hebrew word hesed, sometimes translated “loving faithfulness.” It is a quality that is unique to God, for it indicates steadfastness, commitment, faithfulness and self-giving concern for the very best for his creatures. This longing has shaped his people ever since, finding its way into many prayers and hymns we use in worship today.

This leads to a remarkable depiction of what comes about when God acts. Although judgment has come, the first we hear from God is a word of peace (8). This comes to those who fear him (9), but not in the sense of earning God’s approval; rather, these are the ones who are ready to receive what he longs to give. His salvation is “near” (9a), anticipating Jesus’ own preaching about God’s kingdom, his just and righteous rule. When he reigns, his transcendent glory is made present on earth (9b). His hesed meets together with his “truth,” that is, he is true to himself and to his holiness. His righteous demands, which are often seen to divide people into the faithful and the disobedient, are joined with his peace, which draws people together in wholeness. Qualities that often sit uneasily together for us are united in the undivided One.

Does the congregation you belong to manifest steadfast love and faithful truth, righteousness and peace? What do you need to do to be more open to God’s shaping of you?