Psalm 80
Probably written shortly before the exile of the northern
kingdom of Israel to Assyria , this psalm is a plea for God’s salvation and
restoration. It is uncomfortable and often unpalatable to consider God’s anger
and yet it is a feature not only of the Old Testament but also of the new.
Consider these words given to the church in Ephesus
This psalm recites some of the story of God’s faithfulness –
the faithfulness which continues through all generations. God is faithful and
he is a God of renewal and restoration. Let’s ask ourselves honestly, have we
forsaken our first love? Do the priorities of our time, energy and money point
in a direction other than the glory of the Lord? The call of God is to remember
his faithfulness, to remember his love and to turn back to him not with the
measured and ‘mature’ response of a prudent manager but with the passion and
zeal of rediscovering our first and greatest love. The people of the northern
kingdom were too late – for us, in the power of the Holy Spirit it is never too
late. Lord, fill us with love and passion for you that we may please and
glorify you.
(written by a member or staff)