Psalms: Psalm 80 – In the Day of Disaster

Psalms: Seeking God’s Presence. Psalm 80 – In the Day of Disaster

• Read Psalm 80
• Read Leslie Brandt’s paraphrase of Psalm 80:

Leslie Brandt, Psalms/Now, “Psalm 80.”

O God, you are the creator and sustainer of your church.

You have protected and prospered your faithful followers throughout the stormy and tumultuous past.

Today we are in trouble.

Listen to our cries of consternation, O God.

We are confused and confounded.

We don’t know where to turn, in what direction to go.

We have prayed, O God.

We have sung your praises.

We have proclaimed your love to the world.

But today our power is slipping away, our prestige is wearing thin.

People seem to have little respect for us anymore.

Those who have been brought up within our structures and have embraced our doctrines are leaving the fold.

They say we no longer meet their needs or the needs of the world.

You were with us in the beginning, Lord.

You planted us in the midst of this world’s turmoil.

You nurtured us and watched over us.

Despite the enemies who sought to destroy us, we grew until we encircled the earth.

Great halls of worship were built in your honour, Lord.

Magnificent institutions were established to carry out your purposes.

Men and women dedicated their lives to proclaim your teachings.

Multitudes gathered to declare your praises.

Today we are in trouble, Lord.

The walls are crumbling.

Our sanctuaries no longer attract the masses.

People dedicate their lives to other purposes.

We no longer make much of an impression on this world of ours.

Renew your church, O God.

We know you will never turn away those who come to you, and will forever sustain those who trust in you.

Fan the dying embers, Lord.

Stir us up and restore us to a position of power and effectiveness.

Give us new life and new vision so we may advance your kingdom in our disjointed world.

Renew your church, O God, and revive your servants so the whole earth may know of your love.

• What stands out to you?
• When we read poetry like this, we are exposed to more picture language, metaphors and similes that are often quite evocative.
• Are there any images or metaphors in this Psalm that really stand out to you?
• What do those things convey?
• In this Psalm, Asaph talks to God in ways that we might find unsettling. He complains to God, even blames him at one point, as he lists his problems with what is going on.
• How do you react to this idea? (Note, don’t just say what you “think” of the idea of complaining to God and blaming him. Consider your emotional response. How would you feel if you were to address God this way?)
• Is it OK to talk to God like this? What are the benefits? What are the risks?
• Where do you long to see God do a restoring work?