Thoughts from Psalm 80
Are you going through a challenging time and having trouble knowing how to pray?
In Psalm 80 the Psalmist Asaph leads us through an authentic and worshipful time of prayer in the midst of a very difficult time. In verse 1, he calls out to God, the “Shepherd” who is guiding, protecting, and caring for the needs of His flock. We are reminded of God’s sovereignty when He is described as “sitting enthroned between the cherubim” – a reference to God’s presence in the Holy of Holies in the Temple. Whenever life seems overwhelming or troubled, it is good to begin with a reminder to call out to the One who is over all and can lead us through any valley (even death as in Psalm 23). Verse 2 acknowledges that God is mighty to save us.
In verse 3 we hear the psalmist calling out to God for restoration and seeking to be returned to a place of blessing. He asks for God’s “face to shine upon us.” The light from God’s face is a description of experiencing His presence and personal attention.
If you’ve ever wondered if it is okay to express your questions to God about how or why things are happening, read verse 4, “How long, Lord God Almighty, will Your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?” Asaph feels free to describe the troubles he is seeing happen all around him in detail (verses 5 & 6). But he then follows with a repeat of the prayer for restoration, blessing, and salvation (verse 7).
In verses 8-11, the psalmist remembers how God brought them from Egypt and helped them thrive. In the same way, we are encouraged and our faith strengthened when we recall how God has worked in our own lives and been so faithful in the past. He is the same loving, faithful God today in whatever valley we may be in!
When the Israelites – or we – stray from following God fully, there are natural consequences in our lives. They had “broken down…walls” (verse12) with invaders and beasts ruining crops and lives. By choosing our own ways and wisdom, we open the door for negative outside influences from the world and our enemy, the devil. The psalmist first questions why God has allowed the distress and expresses feelings of helplessness, but follows with the plea, “Return to us, God Almighty!” (verse 14a). It is important to note that God isn’t the one who moves away – we are! He is still in heaven and watching over them (verse 14b). Asaph is praying earnestly for God’s help and watchcare. He recognizes that without God’s intervention and protection, they are lost and will perish. There is a sense of urgency and even desperation for God’s help.
Here in verse 17, we see the Messianic description of God ’s ultimate plan for our salvation, “the son of man” at His right hand: Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who gives us full access to the presence of God and the personal, intimate relationship we long for. He is the one who walks with us through each dark time or valley in life as our Guide, Comforter, and Provider. Verse 18 demonstrates how repentance brings revival in our lives. When we turn back to God and away from our sin, He offers forgiveness and new life – we are saved (verse19) by the “Lord God Almighty.” A renewed commitment to worship and faithfulness follows when we cease self-dependence and choose God-dependence.
It is enlightening to watch the process of spiritual renewal revealed by thenames the psalmist calls God as he moves through his time of worship and prayer. Verses 3, 7, and 19 all make the same request, “Restore us….; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” But there is a progression in the titles used for God:
Verse 3: “O God” – He acknowledges God’s existence and sovereignty
Verse 7: “God Almighty” – God has the ability and power to restore and save; He is big enough to handle our burdens and problems
Verse 19: “Lord God Almighty” – He acknowledges God’s divine sovereignty and power and is personally submitting to His will (“Lord”)
Psalm 80 contains a description of God’s ability to save us and renew us regardless of how devastating our current circumstances may be. It is a representation of our often-repetitive spiritual journeys in prayer as we remember who God is, what He has faithfully done in the past, and then seek a deeper renewed faith in the midst of our “valleys”.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I cast the burdens of today on You, trusting Your leadership. My path may not always be according to my plans or wishes, but I know with You leading me, I can experience peace and purpose. Make Your face shine upon me today. Amen