Read Psalm 80:1-7
The cry of the psalmist can be ours as well as we anticipate Jesus’ return. “Come to rescue us,” are words on the lips of Christ followers around the world this Christmas. Why? Because the world is broken again, so broken. Our only hope is in Jesus.
Do you ever feel like an outcast because of your faith in Jesus? I sense the psalmist was also struggling with feeling abandoned. Yet his lament was directed to God, believing that God had turned away. We can cling to the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” We don’t need to be alarmed or worry. Even if it feels like God is distant, he’s close. He is personally involved in our lives.
The psalmist is clear in acknowledging our salvation rests in God alone. He writes this line twice, “Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” When God sent his son Jesus the first time, the rescue mission began. Jesus is our saving grace. In that humble stable, God’s face was shining down on us indeed.
Have you ever felt like God was angry with you like the psalmist? How do you get yourself back on track, trusting again in Jesus’ healing and restoration? Do you ever cry out to God like the psalmist? Questioning God is not necessarily a bad thing. Finding the answers or waiting on God to respond is what can be hard.
During Advent, we are preparing to welcome the Christ child on Christmas as well as preparing our hearts for Jesus’ expected return. Being in a state of expectant hope can lessen any stress you may be feeling about all the parties, decorations, and menu planning facing you this season. Don’t forget to call on God for help in your planning and celebrating.
We do want God’s favor to rest on us like the psalmist. When I feel like I have disappointed God, I am devastated. What does God want from us? Our devotion, our attention, and our faithful trust. God’s desire for us doesn’t change based on what the calendar says.
Don’t let the busyness of the season interfere with your most important relationship of all. The psalmist says, “Turn us again to yourself, O God.” That request suggests an action on God’s part. When God moves in response, we need to be ready to be moved. Have you been resisting God? Are you ready to let him have control?
Let’s pray. Lord, you are great and worthy to be praised. My heart overflows with adoration and praise. Forgive me for the times when I let stress creep in and cloud my thinking and block my trust and reliance on you. Help me to grow closer to you every day. I want to be ready for your return. Come, Lord Jesus! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
