Depending on culture and context, a kiss can mean different things, but it’s commonly used to express affection, respect, peace, or greeting. In the Bible, a kiss can be holy, sexual, familial, or even treacherous (in the case of Judas). But the most profound kiss of all time may be recorded in Psalm 85, where “righteousness and peace kiss each other” (v 10b). This psalm is a prayer for revival. Have you ever been discouraged because the life you were living did not seem as joyful and meaningful as when you first became a Christian? In the midst of a faith community that seemed to be in a state of spiritual decline, have you longed to experience a fresh touch of God’s life-giving Spirit? Psalm 85 provides a blueprint for how to respond in such situations. In four stanzas, we discover four steps to spiritual renewal. First, reflect on past mercies (v 1-3). In church history as well as your own personal experience, study how God made Himself known through seasons of revival and reformation. The point is not to simply long for “the good old days,” which are often only a mirage, but to focus on the goodness of the LORD, which is constant in the present as well as the past. The greatest mercy of all that we can receive from God is forgiveness of sins and deliverance from His wrath through the atoning death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we would reflect more deeply on this mercy, discouragement might well subside. Second, turn to God in humble repentance (v 4-7). As we turn to God, He will turn to us. As used in the Bible, “turn” is a versatile word. It can refer to our turning from sin (or turning from obedience). But it can also refer to God’s turning from His wrath and turning to His people. This is the idea behind the prayers for God to “restore us” and “revive us” once again. Sin causes us to lose many blessings that could never be recovered. But God can give new opportunities and new blessings. He can make our lives fruitful again—not because of our own merits, but because of His “steadfast love.” Third, we must wait on God, listening faithfully to His Word (v 8-9). If we would know peace and see His glory, let us purify our hearts to hear what the LORD would say to us. “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him.” And fourth, let us expect God to bless us (v 10-13). We live in that brighter day anticipated by the psalmist. The dilemma of the ages is this: how could God punish sin in faithfulness and righteousness, yet embrace sinners in love and peace? The gospel is the only solution, for in the death of Jesus, God’s love and faithfulness met. At the cross, His righteousness and peace kissed! For further meditation: