Through Advent we are looking at Psalms, today at Psalm 85. Sometimes in the midst of trouble, someone’s word of comfort can lift a person’s spirit. In this psalm it is clear that the people are in a period of trouble, but the psalmist expresses God’s faithful presence and comfort and God’s word of peace – shalom. We, too, have been in a difficult period, and although we can now see some hope with the promise of vaccines against COVID-19, this psalm reminds us that our reliance on God is essential. This longing for shalom and God’s promise is the essence of Advent – waiting on the coming of Christ.