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Day 196

Psalm 80:19a "Restore us, O LORD God of hosts..."

Day 196 – Psalm 80

“Restore us, O LORD God of hosts…” Psalm 80:19a

THE THIRD CRY FOR RESTORATION

Had God answered Asaph’s prayer as he concluded this psalm? The plain and honest answer is “No!” Nevertheless Asaph offered his prayer for the third time.

“Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!”
Psalm 80:19

1. The full title employed

a) God was addressed formally.
b) He was addressed in His full and formal title: “O LORD God of hosts”.

2. Invoking God’s Name

a) Asaph invoked the mighty name of God when he addressed him in this formal manner.
b) This was the name that God said Israel would know Him by (Exodus 6:3-9).
i) He would be their established Covenant God (Exodus 6:4).
ii) He would remember His covenant (Exodus 6:5).
iii) He would come to their rescue in their hour of distress (Exodus 6:6).
iv) He would be their God and lead them (Exodus 6:7).

3. Significance of praying three times

A number of things stand out significantly as we meditate on why Asaph pleaded for restoration three times over:-

a) It showed that he did not take anything for granted.
b) It showed that deep down he believed that God would hear his prayer.
c) It showed that he knew that praying for full restoration was not an easy thing to achieve.
d) It showed two aspects of Asaph that are worth emulating:-
i) His faith in God’s mercy.
ii) His faithfulness in praying for his people.