Restore Us, O God (Psalm 80, Part 1)

God leads us like a flock, and plants and cares for us as a vine. Here the shepherd represents God and the vine represents Israel; in the New Testament Jesus, God’s risen Son, is both—one aspect of the paradox of his being both God and man.

The Restoring Shepherd (verses 1-7)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2080:1-7&version=NIV

In the Old Testament the sheep gave their lives for the shepherd through temple sacrifice; in the New Testament the Shepherd gave his life for the sheep. When we find ourselves outside the will of God, tears provide both our food and our drink. Envious neighbors find joy in our misery. We can strengthen our confidence in prayer through our Shepherd’s kindness. May we repeatedly ask God for His gracious restoration.

Hear us, Great Shepherd, enthroned above us. Come and save us! Lord God Almighty, will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people as You feed us and make us drink our tears? We find ourselves objects of derision to our neighbors and our enemies mock us. Restore us, God Almighty, make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved!  

Lord, Remember Us, the Sheep of Your Pasture (Psalm 79, part 3)

Vindication and Praise (verses 10-13)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2079:10-13&version=NIV

May we look to our heavenly Father for deliverance and restoration. Even without all our questions answered, may we cling to our faith that God really is the God of faithfulness and justice. God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek His honor and glory. May we praise God for our redemption and forgiveness.

Loving God, why should the people around us say, “Where is their God?” Let our groans come before You, O God. According to Your great power, preserve us! We, the sheep of Your pasture, will give You praise forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim Your praise.

If a sinner such as I

May to thy great glory live,

All my actions sanctify,

All my words and thoughts receive;

Claim me for thy service, claim

All I love, and all I am.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Lord, Remember Us, the Sheep of Your Pasture (Psalm 79, part 2)

Anger and Mercy (verses 5-9) 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2079:5-9&version=NIV

The psalmist prays for divine vindication—not for vengeance but for justice. He asks God to forgive the sins of previous generations, requesting God to blot out any memory of past iniquities. He asks God to quickly show His mercy. As we submit ourselves to our heavenly Father, His honor as the covenant God guarantees that He will be faithful, even when we are not. Ultimately God will silence the nations that mock Him. May we confess our sin and seek pardon as a gift of God’s mercy.

How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? Do not remember against us our former sins; let Your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we feel very low. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake!

Lord, Remember Us, the Sheep of Your Pasture (Psalm 79, part 1)

In Psalm 78 David came to the throne with the promise of an end to evil. In Psalm 79 David’s monarchy had come to an end, and the enemy had defiled God’s temple, destroyed God’s city, slain God’s people, and challenged God’s power. There was no way to earn a living, families were ripped apart, and public worship of God had ended. All the people had left was God’s unchanging character. They therefore appealed to God for deliverance.

Desecration and Lament (verses 1-4) 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2079:1-4&version=NIV

The peoples’ lament focused on the desecration caused by their enemies, who had polluted God’s holy land, His holy house, and His holy city. The insults of Israel’s neighbors added shame. They told God all about it even though He already knew. Today our information technology makes us fully aware of the scorn and derision of those around us. May we take our concerns to God, who defends His own people. Nothing can separate God’s children from His love.

Thank You, Lord God, that nothing can separate us from Your love. O God, the people of our society have invaded Your inheritance.  We are objects of contempt to those around us who mock and deride us. We therefore cry to You, Loving God.