Sometimes, when we’re stuck in traffic, a destination is never as close as it appears. Gridlock means a trip of just a few miles can take twice as long as it should. Between road work and fender benders, just getting out of the neighborhood can feel like a win.
We’ve all faced days when it feels like every car manufactured in Detroit stands between us and our goal. In stop-and-go traffic, we’re forced to measure success by the distance and arrival time listed on a GPS. In my mind, the trips take forever. I look at my watch and wonder if I’m really making any progress. My goal still seems so far away.
Thankfully, the Bible reminds us that salvation is not like that.
The sons of Korah, a group of musical leaders in ancient Israel, are credited with writing several psalms, including Psalm 85. They recognized that God is always a lot closer than many of us can see or will admit. They knew that His salvation “is very near those who fear him” (Psalm 85:9).
In ancient Israel, God’s cloud of glory hovered over the tabernacle in the wilderness. When it moved, they moved. When it lingered, they lingered. His presence—His glory—served as a reminder that He was near and that He cared for His people.
God wants the same thing for His people today. More than anything, God will bring glory to Himself. He has made His salvation readily available to those who will come to Him. And by living in and working through His people, His glory continues to “dwell in the land” like it did centuries ago.
Instead of being some distant, almost unreachable destination, the Lord’s deliverance is near. Instead of requiring Herculean tasks to prove our loyalty, God is simply looking for humble confession and sincere faith. Since the beginning of time, He has made a habit of responding to those who call out to Him. He never denies a sincere cry for help, and He never wastes time with games of spiritual “hide and seek.” His salvation is near for anyone who reaches out to Him. In fact, God sent Jesus to live, die, and rise again so we could see just how close He is.
If God feels far away, it’s because we’re not seeing Him as He really is. We’re not focusing on His character or His promises. Our sin and our circumstances have warped our perspective.
Thankfully, Lent is a great time to readjust our spiritual vision. It’s a time when we can seek God honestly—and discover that He’s been with us the whole time. His salvation is very near.
Written by Bob Bunn
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86 thoughts on "Psalms 80–85"
My verse for today is Psalm 84:11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord grants favor and honor. He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.”
It reminds me that God both protects and provides for His people, and that His goodness is something I can trust even when I don’t see the full picture yet ❤️
I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10
I love this verse. ❤️
Praise the Lord He doesn’t play “spiritual hide and seek.” That line stood out to me!
Today, I found myself calling out to God in my anxiety and my fear over a situation and He sent me the reassurance I needed. Such a kind, loving Father. Praise be to God! I’m so grateful for a God who is near and hears and answers me.
❤️
Amen!
The realism behind the spoken words of “ifGod feels far away, it’s because we are seeing Him as He really is” cuts deep as I’m desperately seeking to see, hear, feel him. Anything. I feel so lost and so sad but more than anything undeserving to see Him, hear Him, feel Him.
I’m sorry for the sorrow you are feeling, Crissy! I don’t know what is happening in your life, but I do know that your feelings of being “undeserving” are lies from the pit. If you are in Christ, you have become an heir with Him- everything God grants to His beloved Son is also yours. I challenge you to go on a “treasure hunt” in your Bible for all the things we are told are ours in Christ…and then appropriate them as your very own! May joy come this morning as you seek Him for who He really is! ❤️
Thank you that you are always with us God!
❤️
One of CeeGee’s questions yesterday from NIV Application Bible re: Psalm 78:40-43… “When have we been forgetful of what God has done for us?”
Sadly, all the time. I take His blessings for granted. Been trying to work on this.
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The Psalms and the devotionals yesterday and today are spot on for me. I humbly ask for prayer. A situation has seemed to reach hopelessness. I have been crying out to God. I am so very anxious and fearful. I know that I should not be fearful or anxious and need to trust in Him AND remember his faithfulness. Thank you so much.
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I looked up the Valley of Baca. From Bible Hub:
“Symbolic Significance
The Valley of Baca’s image of dryness and sorrow turning into life and refreshment resonates on both a literal and spiritual level. It depicts:
• A Physically Dry Place: Pilgrims journeying through harsh, water-scarce terrain.
• A Spiritually Transformative Experience: God’s presence turns hardship into blessing. Even desert-like circumstances are changed into pools of water, illustrating providential care and spiritual vitality.”
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Praying for requests. Especially those going through the dry/deep valleys, that it would be a spiritually transformative experience, with God’s presence turning hardship into blessing.
Thank you, B, for sharing your heart and the extra info on Baca! I have been dealing with a situation that is out of my control as well. While not anxious/fearful, there are days I need to lean more heavily on God. Prayers for strength for you in this time. ❤ Hugs, sister!
Thank you❤️
Prayers for your situation as well. ❤️
Thank you, B! ❤
Praying for you , lots of love ♥️
Praying over you tonight, sister. ❤️ Praying that you can find rest and peace in the goodness of God, even as you walk through a valley.
Thank you❤️
Praying for you this morning!
Thank you❤️
Praying for your situation and that those anxious feelings will subside. God is holding you.
Thanks so much❤️
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!” (Psalm 84:11-12).
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Isn’t He so good? This stood out to me, as with many of us today, warped perspectives are dangerous. Recalibration is very necessary. Daily gratitude is a big practice, along with recounting His faithfulness and personal redemption in our lives. May we take our eyes off self and circumstances, to draw closer to Him, to understand His true character and to give praise and thanks to the Lord. If we view God through a lens of “strict judge” rather than “loving father,” we may avoid prayer out of fear or a sense of inadequacy. We aren’t actually far away, but we feel far because we are avoiding. And when we view God as a “supporting character”, in a self-center perspective, His job is to facilitate our plans, and when life doesn’t go according to our expectation, we feel let down by God, and feel far from Him for He isn’t performing the role we have assigned for Him in our life, leading to much resentment and a sense of gradual disconnect. May we shift the focus. Humility, not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less often. “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10)- I love this verse so much! This hints at the value of being present with God at a low level position while still balancing the contentment of the soul. Doorkeepers have no recognition, but are simply servants at entry level. Maybe that’s the secret to all these struggles to find God. It corrects the warped idea that we can only be in His presence when we are doing something “big and important”, on center stage. We can be on the margin, unnoticed, serving, and find contentment, joy, satisfaction in His house. That shifts our goal from striving to be “significant” to simply just being present. That is enough, isn’t it? A humble attitude and a sincere heart is enough to GOD. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen ❤️
Yes, Mercy! ❤
One of Bob Bunn’s statements I meant to share:
“Instead of requiring Herculean tasks to prove our loyalty, God is simply looking for humble confession and sincere faith.”
Hi ladies. I am a day behind so commenting on yesterday’s readings. My brother was diagnosed with cancer at the height of the COVID shutdown. It was almost impossible to get in to see any doctors, they all wanted to do virtual. Luckily we knew someone who knew someone (all GOD) and within 2 weeks, BJ had his port and started treatment. Had he not started treatment so quickly, I am sure he would have not gone on to live 5 year with stage 4 cancer. (He was only given 3 months) A month later we had an important meeting (virtual) with his oncologist and I remember being so nervous the day before. I woke up with the thought “Psalm 77:11” but didn’t give it any thought. Later as I was headed to bed, again “Psalm 77:11”. Now God had my attention so I picked up my Bible and read, 11 But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. This was not a Psalm I knew. I felt like it was God’s sweet reminder to me that he was in control and to look at the miracles he had already done in BJ’s life.
Now when I am in a storm, like currently with my daughter, I try to “remember” what God has already done and the promises he has given us for her. I have a document for her entitled “signs and visions” so when I don’t know what to pray or when I am feeling like I am at the end of my rope, I read it and it always brings my attention back to God and strengthens my faith to keep pushing forward.
I’m praying for requests as I see them:)
❤️ what precious testimony TAMI. How resilient you are. Your strength and faith is beautiful. Hugs and love sister.
Beautiful testimony Tami. Thank you got sharing such a tender reminder of God’s presence ❤️
Ditto Mercy and Wenndy! ❤
Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace and for the reminder that you are always near to us. ❤️
Amen
Such beautiful words. Seems I have been behind this entire study. I jumped ahead today and will go back and catch up. I miss you ladies!!
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The valley of Baca [chapter 84] is a place of weeping and hardship. Even hard seasons become places of blessing when we walk with Him. They go from strength to strength. Those valleys make us stronger. They *pass* through the valley of baca. Lord help me to emerge… to not stay in the valley, to take what you have taught me there and be strength for someone else.
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Lord, make me aware of just how very near you are.
❤
Amen
We have had guests and I’ve fallen behind. I decided to jump ahead to today and then go back. I have 3-4 days to read still. I don’t like when I don’t have my time each morning. You can feel that you did not spend the time with God.
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Today I heard that Colorado state rep lead the Pledge of Allegiance and left out the words “under God”. Colorado has always been farther away from God, but they just keep running the wrong direction. We spend 5-6 months in Florida and I cannot describe how “normal” it feels. Although I’m worried it may also change for the worst. It just shows how far people are from God. We need to pray for our country.
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Psalm 84:4 How happy are those who reside in your house, who praise you continually.
I feel ya, we left Chicago suburbs for Florida. It is refreshing, and warmer! lol. But they NEED Christians in those states to hold the line, and to be more active in our stance, and conservatism. Usually it’s the large cities that dominate the state unfortunately. I think there is a guy I follow that is running there- Victor Marx?! He is a God-fearing man. So there’s hope. As I was reading the Psalm today, of Isarel turning back to God then, I think of America and how far we have strayed. But God always protects the remnant and raises them, just as Israel will be saved in the end, when all have come into the knowledge of Jesus! I am so glad we know how the story ends. Let us stay steadfast!
Yes, we do! ❤
Absolutely beautiful teaching – thank you ❤️
If God’s word says He is near and I *feel* like He is not…one of these things cannot be true. Lord, help me to lean in to the truth of your word. Your word is the authority, my feelings are not. Help me as I seek to keep my feelings in alignment with your word. Thank you for the promise that you will be near.
If God’s word says He is near, and I “feel” like He is not… one of these things cannot be true.
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So. Good.
Needed to read this! Thank you!
That’s righteousness, my sister!
❤️
“ Your word is the authority, my feelings are not.” A great reminder!
Psalm 80:17 NLT
Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Make your face shine down upon us.
Only then will we be saved.
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Psalm 81:13; 16b
13 Oh, that my people would listen to me!
16b
I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
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Psalm 82:8
From Enduring Word Study Bible:
Asaph closed the psalm with a plea to God to take His place as the ultimate Judge. The unjust judges of Israel had their areas of authority, but God’s authority is over all the earth. The inheritance of all nations shows the greatness of God as Judge. This inheritance ultimately belongs to Jesus Messiah.
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Psalm 83:18 CSB:
May they know that you alone—
whose name is the Lord—
are the Most High over the whole earth.
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Psalm 84:11-12 NLT
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.
–
*** Three different translations yielded 3 different words here:
JOY – NLT
HAPPY- CSB
BLESSED- NKJV
Beautiful encouragement in all 3!
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Psalm 85:10-13 NLT
10 Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
11 Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
13 Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps.
–
I love this from Enduring Word Study Bible:
The psalmist beautifully described the salvation God brings to His people. It might seem that mercy and truth are set against each other with mercy looking to grant pardon and truth determined to condemn. In God’s great work of salvation, mercy and truth come together, perfectly reconciled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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From the devo:
“…Lent is a great time to readjust our spiritual vision. It’s a time when we can seek God honestly—and discover that He’s been with us the whole time. His salvation is very near.”
Written by Bob Bunn
Amen! ❤
✨
SONG SHARE:
Brooke Ligertwood – Honey in the Rock (with Brandon Lake) [Lyric Video]
I have all that I need
You are all that I need
There’s honey in the rock
Water in the stone
Manna on the ground
No matter where I go
I don’t need to worry
Now that I know
Everything I need You’ve got
There’s honey in the rock
Purpose in Your plan
Power in the blood
Healing in Your hands
Started flowing when You said it is done
Jesus, who You are is enough
There’s honey in the rock
Oh how sweet
How sweet it is
To trust in You Jesus
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Thought you might share that song… it was in my head already!
Mine too!
Honey in the Rock❤️
❤️
❤☺❤
“He never denies a sincere cry for help, and He never wastes time with games of spiritual “hide and seek.”If God feels far away, it’s because we’re not seeing Him as He really is. We’re not focusing on His character or His promises. Our sin and our circumstances have warped our perspective.” Oooofff…these are such good thoughts. Just yesterday I had conversation with a dear friend walking through great heartache and feeling like God is far, far, far away. I found myself saying similar to what our author has penned today but also knowing full well of being in place where the desperate cry can just feel like its echoing of empty walls. Lord, remind my heart that you do listen, you hear, you are present, that you show favor. That dwelling in your courts, in your presence is the place we find our greatest hope and peace. We need you Lord. Thank you Father that you do indeed bring what is good. Amen ❤️
Amen! ❤
“If God feels far away, it’s because we’re not seeing Him as He really is. We’re not focusing on His character or His promises. Our sin and our circumstances have warped our perspective.”
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Father, Abba – please help me to see you as You really are. Help me to take my eyes off myself and my circumstances and instead focus on Your character and Your promises. Change my warped perspective. Remind me today and every day that no good thing do You withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Help me to trust in You – without wavering.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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I pray this not only for myself, but for each of my dear sisters here.
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Hebrews 12:2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
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@Crissy Hunter & @Kerry Owens – praying for you both as you navigate through this very difficult season of your lives. ❤️
@Cee Gee -Thank you for the song reminder, He Will Hold Me Fast. This is a beautiful song that I only recently heard. I will re-listen today.
@my SRT sisters – thank you all who continue to lift me, Jeff and our church, up in prayer.
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Happy Thursday Sweet She’s. ❤️
Amen to your beautiful prayer!
Amen ❤️
❤❤❤
Adding my amen to yourhearfelt prayer! So glad the song blesses you in this time!
Happy are the people whose strength is in you.
So simple, and yet SO true. May I always look to You, my Sun and Shield in all my circumstances!
I could not resist this addendum to my much earlier comment.
For all who hunger (for a cream cheese danish!) or thirst (for an almond milk latte!) in the morning time, the Lord decrees, “But I would feed you with the best of foods. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock”. (Psalm 81:16).
The Word of the Lord!!
Lol! I’m with ya sister!
❤️ :)
“He never denies a sincere cry for help, and He never wastes time with games of spiritual “hide and seek.” His salvation is near for anyone who reaches out to Him. In fact, God sent Jesus to live, die, and rise again so we could see just how close He is.”
Amen!
Thank you Lord!
“He never denies a sincere cry for help, and He never wastes time with games of spiritual “hide and seek.” His salvation is near for anyone who reaches out to Him.”
As I wrestle with what wakens my sleep…As I write these words in far too early morn…
Father in heaven, an aching heart calls to You, “Strengthen the [wo]man You love, the [daughter] son of Your choice.” (Psalm 80:18).
Do not forsake me.
“Relieve my shoulder of its burden…free my [heart] hands from [its] their heavy tasks”. (Psalm 81:6).
Save me.
May it be so.
Amen, Gwineth! ❤️
Lord I need you. Thank You for being near.
We just sang the song Lord I Need You- Matt Maher.
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, you’re my hope and stay
Amen❤️
Amen!
Some of my notes/observations:
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Ps 81:13-14
13
“Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
14
I would soon subdue their enemies,
And turn My hand against their adversaries.
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These verses brought to mind 2 Chronicles 7:14
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
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Praying this for the world.
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Ps 81:16 And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.” Of course reminds me of Brooke Ligertwood’s song
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Ps 83 A prayer for God to deal sternly with those out to destroy Israel, yet v16-18 asks that in the face of these consequences, that they may seek the LORD.
16
Fill their faces with shame,
That they may seek Your name, O Lord.
17
Let them be confounded and dismayed forever;
Yes, let them be put to shame and perish,
18
That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord,
Are the Most High over all the earth.
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Ps 84:10-12
10
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12
O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
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May we all seek to stay close and walk with the Lord, sisters. No matter what life looks like ❤️
You highlighted great verses. It’s good to read them again ❤️
No matter what! ❤❤❤
Psalm 89:5 made me think of the song Bless God by Brooke Ligertwood – so good! Prayers that all have a great day today!
I think I shared the AnneMarie cover last week. Great song! ❤
The “vine” in Psalm 80 is a metaphor for Israel, but it brings to mind John 15 and Jesus being the Vine.
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Have a blessed day
I had the same thought, Kelly! ❤
If God feels far away, it’s because we’re not seeing Him as He really is. We’re not focusing on His character or His promises. Our sin and our circumstances have warped our perspective.
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Oo, Ouch!!
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BUT TRUE!(Certainly of me, sometimes).
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Lord, may my eyes be opened, and be open always. To see YOU, and to know YOU are as close as the skin on my bones. May I always TRUST in who I know YOU to be, your character, and your faithful promises, of which I have been a multiple multiple times recipient..
You are WHOYOU say you are and have been since the beginning of time..
You, Lord God are ever close, ever faithful, ever present, our ever sure..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Thursday Lovelies..
Much love, covered in prayers (as requested) and hugs ❤️
That comment caught me as well Tina. He’s always there it’s my perspective that needs adjusting.
Yep, that’s why we have to KNOW the word, therefore knowing Him. We can’t go by our feelings and emotions. We know WHO He is and what His promises are by time with him that forms our knowledge and wisdom!
Amen ❤️
❤
Amen and Amen!
“If God feels far away, it’s because we’re not seeing Him as He really is. We’re not focusing on His character or His promises. Our sin and our circumstances have warped our perspective.” This is such a great reminder that when we take our eyes off Jesus we sink! Thankfully our God is a sun and shield, light in the darkness and so very close when we just look up!
Father, help us remember today that you are as close as our next breath and help us keep our eyes on You! Amen.
Amen! We sink when we take our eyes off Him! We tend to look and drown in our circumstances. :/
❤️