I Advent - Psalm Meditation
Psalm 80——We Shall Be Saved
In this community lament, Israel appeals to God as ““Shepherd”” (roeh ), a name that recalls God's saving deeds of the Exodus (See Ps 77:20, Is 63:11). These verses follow the lament pattern: appeal for renewal; remembering what God first did to bring us into covenant; turning again from present darkness.
From our darkness we pray to be reconverted, beginning with an appeal for grace: ““God, lead us back and shine your face(s) and we shall be saved”” (elohim hashiveinu v'ha'er paneka'ka v’’ni vvashiah, v. 3). We accept our lostness and admit we cannot return by our own power.
From our darkness we pray to regain dignity [v. 6]. In failure and misfortune we have been tormented with feelings of humiliation: ““and our enemies mock us”” (v'oy’’veinu yilagu-lanu, v. 6). God's blessing will banish shame [v. 15].
From our darkness we pray together. We appeal in community lament. Our spiritual journey is more than just a private thing between the individual and God. We are led ““like a flock”” [v. 1].
We do not return alone.
©1997, Patricia Caplan Andrews; limited license to reproduce for use in licensed congregation only. Published by LeaderResources.
