By Beth Bontrager, Mennonite Historical Library administrative assistant
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)
Psalm 80 is a plea for help. Oppression controls the writer and his people. They feel that God has abandoned them and that they have suffered enough for their disobedience and sins. They are waiting to be saved. Waiting and actively pleading: how long, O Lord? Restore us!
Being bullied or shut out from groups is a form of suffering and oppression. I was bullied in my lower academic years. I remember being teased because my bike was a one-speed clunker, that my clothes were handmade by my grandma and mom, that my shoes were old or uncool, that my hair wasn’t professionally cut and styled. Even at 55 I can hear the laughter and snide remarks. Suffering lasts a long, long time.
I didn’t know how to tell a grown-up what I was experiencing. I didn’t know how or what to ask for. I thought I was supposed to be mature and handle it myself (And no hitting or talking back—Mennonites didn’t do that). What had I done to deserve this? How long, O Lord?
But when we cry out to God, God does hear us. In school I found a dear friend, Kathy, with whom I shared the love of books and music. She was God’s gift of restoration to me, a chance for healing.
Others, too, were later sent to me in times of suffering, grief and pain: John, Kaye, Kim, Brent, Aleda, Roseann, Kathryn, Rachel. Waiting was painful, but God provided relief and comfort through God’s people.
So now we await Christ’s birth and the hope and healing that it brings. God answers God’s people with Restoration. We are restored to Life through Love—Jesus. Thank you, God.
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
17But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
19Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.