Advent-Christmas Devotions
Thursday, December 18
Psalm 80:14-19
14 Turn again, O God of hosts;
look down from heaven and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted.
16 It has been burned with fire; it has been cut down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
“… 14 Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven and see; have regard for this vine, …”
Often, second looks are the most promising. When we first look at someone or something, we get an initial impression. That can be good. However, it can also lead to false assumptions. What we see at the beginning may not tell the whole story. Looks can be deceiving. Upon further inspection, we may discover our initial evaluation was in error.
The psalmist implores the Lord to turn and look again at the people of Israel and their situation. The author asks that God reevaluate the relationship that restoration and renewal may happen. “Don’t judge us by what was,” the psalmist seems to be saying, “but look upon us again with new eyes, an open heart, and renewed grace.” In that relook, there is hope for a renewed relationship and new life.
Perhaps, the directive for us follows the same line. Too many times, we’ve taken our initial response to someone or something and codified it – set it in the stone of our hearts and minds where there is no chance for renewal or restoration. The psalmist’s words remind us that “turning again” and seeing again offers the opportunity to make things new. It allows us to resee, rehear, and reevaluate our initial experience, opening the door to a graceful reentry.
As God looked again, restoration of the people was possible. Our looking again can create the same restoration.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for looking at us with mercy and grace. May we do the same with others, seeking to see them with Your eyes so that relationships may be restored and renewed. Amen.