Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19
Hear us, O Sheperd of Isreal, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
O Lord God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have lead them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.
Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
A Thought
When Israel was faithful to the Lord God Almighty, God fought their battles for them and they were greatly feared by other sinful nations. Now Israel has sinned against God and their enemies are overtaking them. This Psalm is a prayer for God’s favor and protection to return to them. This reminds me of a child being punished for doing something wrong and now wants to get his way without having a change of heart. The child is saying if you will just let me do this one thing, I won’t ever do this again. Sound familiar?
Our Prayer
Father thank you for keeping your promises. Forgive us when we fail to keep our promises to you. Help us to serve you because we love you and not because of the things we want you to do for us. Help us to leave behind childish things and to become mature in our faithfulness to you and to others. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
