May 9, 2022 - Psalms 76-80

In these psalms, Asaph recounts God’s great deeds on behalf of his people, Israel, and the manner in which Israel so often showed her ungratefulness. Time and time again, Asaph recalls how God disciplined Israel and gave her over to her foes because of her unfaithfulness. In Psalm 80, Asaph cries out, three times: “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (80:3,7,19) So many things he could say to God. So many requests he could make. But it all boiled down to this, as Charles Spurgeon puts it, that he is able to trace all Israel’s calamities to one source: “O Lord God, how long wilt thou be angry?” (80:4)

To the One whose anger has been poured out against Israel, to that same One Asaph pleads and hopes for refreshing. Israel’s hope is our hope. To his God, and ours, Asaph prays, “Give us life, and we will call upon your name! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (80:18-19)

To thee, our God, we fly

for mercy and for grace;

O hear our lowly cry,

and hide not thou thy face. --William Walsham How (1871)