December 2 — Psalm 80:1–3

Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us. Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
—Psalm 80:1-3


Psalm 80 is the cry of people who know they cannot rescue themselves. They appeal to God as their Shepherd—the One who leads, protects, guides, and restores His people. Yet their plea comes from a place of deep sorrow, perhaps even confusion. They wonder where God’s light has gone, why His blessing feels distant, and why their lives seem marked by struggle. In this cry, Advent finds its expression. Advent is the season in which we name our longing honestly, without losing sight of God’s goodness. It is the season where we acknowledge both the world’s brokenness and God’s power to restore it.

The refrain at the heart of the psalm—“Restore us… cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved”—captures the ache of every waiting heart. Salvation is not merely deliverance from difficulty; it is the healing of our relationship with God, the turning of His face toward us once more. The psalmist does not demand explanations. He does not offer strategies. He simply asks God to shine. The light of God’s face is the assurance that His favor and presence are near, even when our circumstances remain challenging. Advent teaches us to pray in this same posture: honest about our need, confident in God’s compassion.

As you sit with this passage, consider these questions: In what areas of your life do you feel the need to pray, “Lord, restore me”? Where have you sensed spiritual dryness, discouragement, or distance? How does the image of God as your Shepherd—gentle, attentive, and powerful—reshape your understanding of your situation? And what would it look like for God’s face to “shine upon you” in this season? Sometimes His shining comes through Scripture, through the kindness of others, through unexpected peace, or through the quiet reassurance of His Spirit.

For today’s practice, spend a moment in prayer using the psalmist’s words. Sit in stillness and repeat slowly: “Restore me, O God… cause Your face to shine upon me.” Let this become not just a request, but a surrender. If you feel led, write a brief journal note describing one place where you long for God’s restoring presence. Keep this prayer close throughout the day as a reminder that your Shepherd does not ignore your cry—He hears, He sees, and He will shine His light upon you.


Loving God, 

Shine the light of Your face upon me and restore the places where I feel weary or discouraged. Be my Shepherd in this season—guiding me, comforting me, and renewing my hope. Awaken Your strength in my life and draw me close to Your heart. 

All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-

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