Psalm 80
1Give ear, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You, who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. 2Before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh, awaken your might; come and save us. 3Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. 4How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. 6You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.7Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
When I read this passage in Psalms the Israelites were begging God to save them from their enemies. After all, they were the chosen people of God, but they have not always lived up to God’s promises for them. They are promising never to sin again.
It makes me wonder how the people of Israel are feeling at this time with the war with Hamas. They must feel much as they did in this passage from Psalms. So many of them and the Palestinians have been killed. Has God finally turned his back on his people?
I do not think God turns his back on his people no matter how they behave. That is what gives me faith in God. He is always ready to help those who come to him and ask for forgiveness and for his help in saving their souls. He is our help in time of trouble.
Contributed by Sharon James