Stepping towards revival.
Updated: Mar 17, 2020
In Psalm 80 we read a prayer of Asaph (the gatherer). He was a man who was talented in poetry and music in the Bible. It is believed this prayer was written after the Northern kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity by the Assyrian nation. Because of sin, God judged His people.
Psalm 80 is a prayer of Asaph (the gatherer). One of those talented in poetry and music in the Bible. It is believed this prayer was written after the Northern kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity by the Assyrian nation. Because of sin, God judged His people.
God has not changed! Today, we are still commanded to seek His “old paths” His eternal paths, of old. Paths of righteousness, humility, obedience, love, and sincerity. Yet our nation, states, cities, churches, and homes are overrun with sin and corruption. Those that claim the name of Christ reject the ways of God!
Asaph pleaded with God in this Psalm that his nation would be revived/restored. Oh, how we need to plead with God that we will see restoration/revival in our day!
This Psalm can be broken down into three parts: 1) The Protection of God, 2) The Correction of God, and the 3) The Restoration of God.
As we read through the Psalm, we see Asaph’s cry towards God grow in strength.
(80:3) “Turn us again, O God…”
(80:7) “Turn us again, O God of Hosts…”
(80:19) “Turn us again, O LORD God of Hosts…”
Asaph believed the LORD must be:
The Center of Our Affection - “Turn us again”
He Hears Us
“The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” (Pr 15:29)
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.” (Pr 28:9)
“For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)
He Shepherds Us (tend to, feed, teach)
He Lead Us - “Thou that leadest Joseph…” (God providence over Joseph’s life)
He Abides with Us - “Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth”
He Strengthens Us - “stir up Thy strength”
The Cause of Our Contrition - “cause Thy face to shine” Contrition: the state of feeling remorseful and penitent. Sin cannot stand the light of God. The shining face meant to give light, to kindle, to set on fire! Just as the dross is separated from the precious metal when set to the flame. God convicts the sinner when His “face shines”. – “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19)
The Shining Face
Salvation (4:6)
Goodness (31:16)
Mercy & blessing (67:1)
Teaching (119:135)
The Hidden Face
Trouble of all sorts (Ps 13:1, 27:9, 30:7, 44:24)
The Conclusion Of Our Petition - “we shall be saved” “Saved” not for all referring to the salvation of a lost man. In the context referring to the salvation or deliverance of a nation. For us today, we need to be saved, delivered from our own flesh that keeps us from God! We need to be filled with Him only! Ill: A church in a home: 45, a full house, 55, a full house, 75, a full house!
We need the Lord’s help with this thing of Revival. Though it is up to each of us to move. Make Him the center of your affection and the sin will be driven out, so that we may be delivered from our flesh. (Rom 7:24-25; James 4:8-10)