When we go through a personal crisis period in our lives, as believers it is important that we turn to the Lord for His help and deliverance. Serious problems can often weaken our faith, and we need a revival in our spirit to draw us back into a closer relationship with Jesus. This is also important on a national level, especially if one’s country at any time was considered a “Christian country”. Many Christians pray not only for personal revival in their lives, but also for national revival. Our psalm for today is such a prayer, one which the psalmist Asaph prayed for his nation Israel.
Our psalmist, Asaph, wrote this psalm during a national crisis, possibly after a serious defeat in battle, or during the years that the powerful Assyrian empire threatened the nation. He knew that many of the problems that the nation faced were due to God’s chastening because of the people’s sin and departure from Him. Knowing this, Asaph prayed a prayer of repentance and for national revival.
As the psalm opens, Asaph addressed God as the Shepherd of Israel, the One who led Joseph as a flock, and as the One who is enthroned between the cherubim (vs. 1-3). This was a reminder that God cares about His covenant people, and is their Leader and Sovereign. Asaph called on the Lord on behalf of the people, as Israel was in distress, and God’s blessings appeared withdrawn. He prayed for God’s face to again shine upon them, so they could experience His peace and restoration.
Israel’s suffering was not accidental. These afflictions and national humiliation were allowed by God (vs. 4-7). Sometimes God permits hardships in order to correct His people, both at the time of Asaph, and also today. His discipline is evidence of His concern for His children. We read this in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:6. When we go through a time of suffering, it is not a sign that God has abandoned us, but that He is dealing with us as His children. In addition to praying that God would bring relief from our suffering, we should also seek to learn the lesson that God is teaching us through them.
Asaph continued in his psalm by portraying Israel as a vine which God brought up from Egypt (vs. 8-13). This, of course, refers to His deliverance of His people from bondage to Pharaoh. God had removed the heathen nations, prepared the land, and caused the vine of Israel to flourish, showing His gracious work in their history. However, now the protective hedge has been removed, and enemies freely invade and destroy the country. Israel’s protection depended on walking in fellowship with the Lord. This can apply to us today, as well. Christians and churches that once flourished can decline when they cease depending upon the Lord. Just look around our cities and see how many churches are closed, or have a bare minimum of people who occasionally attend.
The psalmist prays to God to look down from heaven and protect what He had at one time planted (vs. 14-18). He pleads to God, not for Israel’s merit, but because of His mercy. In verse 17, the “man of Your right hand” may initially point to the king, but it ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is God’s chosen King, the One seated at God’s right hand. The ultimate restoration of Israel will come through her Messiah, Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the people, Asaph promised a renewed faithfulness if the Lord would restore them (vs. 18-19). Three times throughout this psalm Asaph had prayed for the Lord to turn to them and restore them (vs. 3, 7, 19), each time with a stronger plea. The first time it was “O God”. The second is a bit stronger, “O God of hosts”. The final time Asaph pleads “O Lord God of hosts”.
As believers, what can we learn from this psalm/prayer for revival? First, we see that God is both our Shepherd and also our Judge. The same God who protects His people also disciplines them when necessary. We also see that sin brings consequences. Israel’s afflictions were linked to her spiritual condition. God forgives sin, but sin often leaves painful consequences. In this psalm we see that revival is not produced by human effort alone, but by God’s gracious intervention. God’s covenant purposes cannot fail. Though the vine was damaged, it was not destroyed. The Lord God remains faithful to His promises.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the only ultimate hope, both for individuals and also for each nation. Only through Jesus can Israel or any nation be restored, can sinners be saved, and God’s purposes be fulfilled. A nation that rejects God’s truth should not presume upon His blessings. When God’s people experience spiritual decline, the answer is repentance, renewed dependence upon God, and confidence in His covenant faithfulness and mercy.
In closing, we need to pray the three requests that Asaph prayed in Psalm 80. “Restore us again” - Ask God to reveal areas where spiritual renewal is needed. “Cause Your face to shine” - Seek restored fellowship and God’s blessing. And finally “we shall be saved” - Trust God to bring the restoration that only He can accomplish.
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