John Calvin Commentary Psalms 85:7

"Show us thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, And grant us thy salvation." — Psalms 85:7 (ASV)

Show us your mercy, O Jehovah! In these words, there is the same contrast as in the preceding sentence. In supplicating that mercy may be extended to them, and deliverance granted to them, they confess that they are deprived of all awareness of both these blessings.

Since this was the state of the saints in former times, let us learn, even when we are so oppressed with calamities as to be reduced to extremity, and on the brink of despair, to turn to God nonetheless.

Mercy is appropriately put in the first place; and then salvation is added, which is the work and fruit of mercy. For no other reason can be given why God is moved to show Himself as our Savior, except that He is merciful. From this it follows, that all who present their own merits before Him as a plea for obtaining His favor are blocking the way of salvation.