When we lose our way and it seems we don't know which direction to take, God is the only hope we have in the midst of confusion. Our circumstances can blur our vision, but when everything is unclear, God can light our ways and lead us in the right direction. When God allowed His temple and the city of Jerusalem to be destroyed by the Babylonian empire in 586 BC because of the sins of the Israelites, they lost everything. Most of the Israelites were taken to Babylon as slaves, and only the poor Israelites were allowed to stay in the land of Israel to take care of the land for Babylon. Psalm 80:12-14a is the prayer of the Israelites during this time, "Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes? Boars from the forest ravage it, and insects from the fields feed on it. Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!" Although God caused all of these things to happen to discipline the nation of Israel, He listened to the cry of His people.
God's ultimate goal was to restore proper worship in the hearts of His people, and He needed to discipline them to get their attention and reveal their sins. As a result of the disciplining, the people of Israel longed for their restoration. Psalm 80:7, they prayed, "Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved." The phrase "face shines on us" refers to the presence of God. The people of Israel were asking God's presence to shine on them so that they may be saved. Many Israelites lost their ways because of their sins, but they are returning to God for their restoration. There is only one way for us to be restored and return to the right direction, and that way is the humble heart of surrender to our God almighty. We have to be willing to give up control, humble our hearts before God, and surrender everything to Him.
Our hope can only come from God the Father through our Lord Jesus. So, let us not be discouraged or lose hope. We only need to return to our God with a humble heart of surrender, and He will restore us and lead us back in the right direction.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should I do when I lose my ways because of my wrong or sinful decisions? Where can I find hope and restoration? What does God do when I humble my heart before Him?
Take a moment to write down all the worries you face today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, You are my hope and restoration. When I sin and make foolish decisions, I can always come before you with humility and a repentant heart, and you will forgive me and lead me back in the right direction. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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