Psalm 80:1-7

When you face difficulties in life – opposition and attacks – there is nothing more comforting than the sense of the presence of God; knowing that he is with you, his face smiling on you.

The psalmist faced abuse and mockery from neighbors and enemies (v.6). These attacks caused a lot of grief: ‘a diet of tears’ (v.5, MSG). God’s people had been fed with ‘the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful’ (v.5).

Whatever difficulties you are facing in your life, God can turn opposition into opportunity. Cry out to God using the prayer from this psalm.

1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. 3 Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. 4 How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. 6 You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. 7 Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.