Psalm 80:1-19
Every word, every phrase, every sentence of God's Word is important. But when God repeats the same phrase or thought, emphasizing it in a chapter or a book, I definitely want to take note of that. Three times in Psalm 80 we see "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" (verse 3; see verses 7 and 19). So I thought about these words and asked myself How often do I respond and cry out to God like this? Well I do....but not always, and that's not the best way to proceed.
So what can we do to keep at the forefront that God alone is our restorer and provider and that we should be calling upon and seeking Him in all things? Tami W.
It is a PASSIONATE heart we need. Full of firey passion. Not just Oh I love you God, will you do this for me?...It should be Thank YOU Jesus! What can I do for YOU today!
The psalmist addresses God as "Shepherd", probably to remind Israel of God's protective care of His flock. I have asked the same question many times, "How long O God will you not answer my prayers?" or "Why do you continue to be silent in this area?" I know God is sovereign theologically and intellectually but emotionally and practically there are disconnects sometimes. "Restore us" is a cry that is totally focused on God. The shepherd has complete control over the sheep. God has control over us. In my life the reason I don't cry "Restore me" enough is because I think I can handle the situation myself and/or I'd like to be "restored" a certain way, not the way God may restore me. It's like I'm telling God, "God, I can handle the restoration process myself if you'd just do for me everything I ask." Saying "Restore me" is a statement of unconditional trust and faith.
Maybe it is just because I am alone or old or tired, but it is not difficult for me to call on God for His help throughout the day and at night. When I was not alone, young, and full of energy, I knew God was with me but I was basically self-sufficient or so I thought. While some women have husbands who care about them and cater to them, I am left to do things myself. However, I am not discouraged because I ask God to help me do everything from paying bills to taking out the trash. He is my strength. There is no other explanation. I see the task before me and think I'll never get this done,or get this object moved, or climb up that ladder, or lift that rock and place it over here but I do it and there is no other explanation except God. He cares about me and cares for me. I can only tell those who have someone to help them and those who are young and strong, to begin asking God for help now and it will become so natural to you that you will never have to be concerned about how things will get done. He will either give you the strength or send someone to help. It is beautiful to see what He does to give you a hand. I wish I had kept a list of all the times someone just showed up or just did it or asked if they could help. God is my strength....His face shines on me all the time. Thank you Lord for loving me so very much.
HI TAMI
SO OFTEN I HAVE FOUND THAT I TURN AWAY FROM GOD, NOT NECESSARILY KNOWINGLY, BUT AT TIMES BY IGNORING THE FACT THAT MY EYES OPEN DAILY BY HIS GRACE. EVERY BREATH THAT I TAKE IS BY HIS GRACE.
I KNOW THAT WITHOUT HIM IN MY LIFE I DO NOT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST THE WORLD YET WHY CAN'T I CONTINUALLY CALL UPON AND SEEK HIM EVERY MINUTE OF MY LIFE?
I REMAIN HOPEFUL HOWEVER AS GOD HAS SHOWN ME THAT HE UNDERSTANDS. HE WILL HELP ME TO CALL UPON AND SEEK HIM DILIGENTLY. HOW DO I KNOW THIS? WELL HE GOT ME INTO THE POWERED BY 4 AND BACK TO THE BIBLE NETWORK IN A WAY THAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS SUPERNATURAL.
LET'S KEEP SUPPORTING AND PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER DAILY AS WE ARE ALL FACING VARIOUS CHALLENGES FROM THE ENEMY.
REGARDS IN CHRIST
CECIL
This manner of how we fall away from receiving Gods' best is
a problem. I think for me if I could quickly consciously through self discipline turn back to Gods' way rather than reacting from my own strength this would be a victorious way. My strength lately
has come from deciding to just- put ASIDE the sin that so easily weighs down. It has worked for me, not pretending its' not there, but just put my way of reacting aside.Then God has a chance to take care of things His way. Its' really helped me overcome challenges when I think of it this way.Thanks! Janet
I think through our struggles we keep God at the forefront. He keeps us and helps us to grow in that way. As long as we continue to seek Him, He is in the forefront. And that is where He ought to be. I think personally I have seen this through all my struggles. And the Israelites in Psalms 80 called to Him through their struggles. It is hard going through but He is always with us so we land on our feet. God blessings to all.
As Mary says, we have to have a passion for God, Our Heavenly Father and Creator. Every morning we get up we should thank Him, also in the afternoon as as we prepare to go to Bed. he must always be in our heart.