Turn us (Restore us), O God; cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved. v.3
We find this prayer three times in Psalm 80. Christians ought to pray this every day.
We certainly ought to pray this in times of affliction. The people of Israel were going through the affliction of God. He was angry with them and had to chasten them. Asaph doesn’t pray for the Lord to change His circumstances (vv.5-6). Rather, he says “Lord restore us” (v.3). We also ought to pray Asaph’s prayer in times of rebellion. God’s people were rebelling against Him. And that’s who He was chastening them. The Psalmist prays in v.4, “O Lord God of hosts, how long will Thou be angry against the prayer of Thy people?” What was wrong with their prayers? They were praying selfishly for their own comfort and deliverance. They weren’t thinking about the glory of God. But Asaph is different. He prays for their restoration. When you look at your failure, immediately look for God’s favour and His salvation.
There are times when you need God’s restoration. Sometimes He afflicts you and chastens you because His glory is at stake. He wants you to glorify Him. Have you failed God? Do you need His restoration? Pressy Asaph’s prayer today from your heart.
