In this Psalm 85:13 Devotional, we’ll discover the beauty of God’s righteousness and the way it prepares a path for His people. Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration and deliverance, and verse 13 gives us a hopeful conclusion, where righteousness goes before the Lord, preparing the way for His steps. This verse reflects the very essence of who Jesus is, the perfect example of righteousness, and our guide through life.
The truth of Jesus is reflected in this Bible verse about righteousness. It’s a foreshadowing of His sinless nature and His ability to save us from our sins. As we go through today, we can praise our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and follow in HIs footsteps! Let’s walk together through this verse and uncover its deeper meaning, from the Old Testament prophecy to its fulfillment in Christ Jesus.
What is the Meaning of Psalm 85:13?
Psalm 85:13 says…
Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway.
Psalm 85:13 New King James Version
This verse comes at the end of a psalm written by the sons of Korah, a group of temple musicians. It’s about God’s restoration of His people, who had been in exile, referring to their return from the Babylonian captivity. At the beginning of the psalm, the author recognizes God’s mercy and justice, illustrating how His divine attributes like righteousness and peace come together.
In Psalm 85, the people cry out for God’s salvation, and they find hope in the promise of restoration. This final verse of Psalm 85 reveals that righteousness will not only go before God but will also guide His people, making His way their way. The original Hebrew text points to a future time when righteousness and peace will kiss each other, pointing to the holiness of God’s Kingdom and Jesus Christ who will rule over it.
This verse is a harbinger of Christ, who came to earth to show us the righteousness of God and to be our ultimate example of it. Through His sinless life and perfect obedience, Jesus prepared the way for us to follow. It’s our Saviour’s righteousness that makes us right with God, guiding us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Earlier in this passage the author of Psalm 85 acknowledges the mercy of God,
You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah
Psalm 85:2 NKJV
This verse highlights God’s love and incredible forgiveness. It reminds us of His divine mercy and divine justice that covered the iniquity of His people during their time of distress. This forgiveness points us to our incarnate Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose perfect life and loving sacrifice on the cross fully and finally covered our sins once and for all.
His Footsteps, Our Pathway
Psalm 85:13 tells us, “righteousness will go before Him,” laying down a path of holiness for us to follow. It shows us the blending of God’s mercy and truth coming together to prepare a way for us to walk in righteousness.
His righteousness is our sure guide, a path laid out for us in the written Word of God and the life of Jesus, the author of eternal salvation. The psalmist reminds us that God’s righteousness isn’t an abstract concept, it’s a reality that guides our steps every day.
Our path of life is illuminated by the light of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is the ultimate fulfillment of this verse. By following the way of His steps, we can embrace the promises of God, understanding that walking in Christ’s righteousness brings us into a right relationship with God, a place where faithful love and truth meet.
This idea is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 85:10,
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Psalm 85:10 New International Version
In this verse, we see the perfect union of God’s characteristics, His love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace come together in harmony. This is a foreshadowing of the work Christ Jesus would accomplish, where the righteousness of God and His peace would be fully realized in the reconciliation of humanity to our Heavenly Father.
As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we can see these godly attributes unfold in our lives, reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness.
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
The life of Christ shows us exactly what it means to walk in righteousness. In every step He took, Jesus lived out the truth of Psalm 85:13. His life is the perfect example of grace and obedience, and as God’s people, we’re called to follow in His footsteps. As we go through life, it’s important for us to always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Son of God, and follow the way of Christ with every step we take.
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
To walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to live a life that reflects the righteousness of God. It’s about more than just doing good works, it’s about aligning our hearts with His will, guided by the Holy Spirit. This allows us to become a reflection of God’s righteousness to the world around us, showing His glory through our actions and words while always keeping our eyes on Jesus.
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God’s Hand in Our Walk
Throughout the Holy Bible, we see God’s hand guiding His people. Whether it’s through His deliverance, restoration, or daily guidance, the hand of God is always with us. Psalm 85:13 reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, leading us along the path of righteousness.
As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we walk in step with His will. His hand is our strength and our protection. He goes before us, preparing the way, and guiding us with His divine mercy and steadfast love.
When we face hard times, we can trust that God’s hand is at work, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness. He’s always with us, giving us the strength and help we need, and ensuring that we’re never alone as we walk the path He has set before us. We see this sentiment in another Psalm of the sons of Korah.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NKJV
The Way of Peace
Psalm 85:13 isn’t just about following God’s footsteps in a general sense, it’s about walking in the way of peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to reconcile us to God and bring peace to our hearts. When we follow in His footsteps, we find peace even in the tough times we face.
The Old Testament often speaks of the peace of God as something that we have when we align ourselves with His will. In the New Testament, Jesus tells us that He gives us peace, not as the world gives, but as only He can. Walking in the way of peace means trusting in His promises and relying on His righteousness to lead us.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 NKJV
Embracing Righteousness
As we reflect on Psalm 85:13, we see how righteousness goes before God, preparing the way for us to follow. This verse is a reminder of God’s glory and righteousness and also an invitation to walk in His steps. The truth of the promises in this verse speaks to the need of salvation we all have inside of us, and the great affair of our salvation that was accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Let’s embrace the righteousness of God and follow the path He has for us. As we walk in His footsteps, we can rest in the knowledge that His hand is guiding us, His peace is with us, and His promises are always true. The good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is that He’s already gone before us, preparing the way of righteousness, so that we can walk in it with confidence and joy.
So today, let’s praise the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in His guidance and rejoicing in His righteousness. Through His life, death, and resurrection we have the gift of salvation and a relationship with God. Now we can live in the fullness of His grace and mercy, knowing that righteousness will go before Him and set us in the way of peace.
As you reflect on this Psalm 85:13 Devotional, I pray you’ll embrace the glory of the Lord and walk in the path of righteousness that He has set before you. God’s Word and gentle hand will guide you toward all the good things He has promised, and you can trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness.
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