Listen

Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh! Wake up your power! Come to save us! Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

Psalm 80:1-3

Think

A child doesn’t have to convince a loving parent to look out for them; that’s just part of what love does. This part of today’s Psalm isn’t so much trying to talk God into helping as it is acknowledging God’s ability to save. In many ways, these words expect God to act.

They remind God and everyone who listens that God is the shepherd of God’s people. A shepherd looks after the flock; surely God will do the same! “Wake up your power” acknowledges God has the power to save; this power just needs to be put into action! The author of this Psalm can confidently cry out for God’s salvation and restoration, trusting that God loves God’s people and wants the best for them.

Are there places where you need restoration and saving? Cry out to the God who loves you fully. Salvation doesn’t always come based on our own timing or expectations, but God will never abandon us.

Chris Cash

Pray

God of Love, you look after me and all your children like a faithful shepherd. You have the power to save and restore. Come, heal, and make things right so all will know of your love and faithfulness. Amen.

Go

Today, may you experience the relentless, faithful love of God entering your world. May it change you.

May that same love send you out into this world to relentlessly, faithfully love others as you have been loved.