Psalm 14

Scripture

Psalm 14:5-7

5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,

    for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,

    but the Lord is their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

    When the Lord restores his people,

    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

-       New International Version

5 Terror will grip them,

    for God is with those who obey him.

6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,

    but the Lord will protect his people.

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

    When the Lord restores his people,

    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

-       New Living Translation

Observation-What does it say?

Although it’s unconfirmed exactly what Saul was facing when this Psalm was written, it’s clear he felt oppressed and/or opposed by unbelievers.   

Understanding-What does it mean?

The message is clear…

-       God is with those who obey Him

-       The Lord will protect His people

-       The Lord restores His people

And the third (verse 7) is my favorite…

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

    When the Lord restores his people,

    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

It’s not a matter of if God will restore, but when; and we are reminded throughout Psalms that we serve a God who restores, who draws near, who heals, who rescues.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.  - Psalm 34:18

The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.  - Psalm 41:3

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When God restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.  - Psalm 53:6

And, if we believe that our God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever more, then it’s safe to say, we still serve a God of restoration today. 

Life Application

God is the great restorer.

Restorer of relationships, hearts, people. 

Restoration can take many looks – healing, the righting of wrongs, forgiveness, being made whole, providing peace – all of which we need today.

May we cry out like David for the restoration we desire and need today – in our families, in our nation, in the hearts of those we love.

-Rei Bailey