Through a refrain, this Psalm asks God to “restore us" and " let your face shine that we may be saved.” Verses 14–15 serve as a longer version of the refrain, explaining it more fully. “The man of your right hand and the son of man” likely refers to the people of Israel. The Psalm illustrates Israel’s longing for God’s presence in a fallen world. We can’t save ourselves. Neither could Israel. Part of Advent is hope. Every Christmas, we celebrate when our Hope came down and took-on flesh. Jesus is our Hope!

Psalm 80:17-19

17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,
Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.

18 Then we shall not turn back from You;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

19 O Lord God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ At what times in your life have you felt “God’s hand” upon your life? [v17]

+ How do you call upon God’s name? [v18]

+ What, in your life, should you pray to God to restore? [v19]

+ What does it mean to have God’s “face shine upon you”? [v19]

+ How can you apply or share the message of christian HOPE to your life and the lives of others?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?