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Throughout Psalm 80 there is a cry for the Lord of hope and to be found in the darkness that has appeared. The writer calls out and says, “Restore us, God Almighty”, a plea and, in a way, a repentance to the Lord for the things that have happened. I think throughout this passage you can see the steadfastness that is God and how that still remains true today. I think this can be looked at in the way that we are the lost lamb but God knows us by name and exactly where we are. H

Conquered. Defeated. Afflicted. But never alone. Psalm 79 was birthed from the rubble of Jerusalem. The temple was destroyed, the city was in ruin, and the people were dying. The people had lived in such persistent sin, that God had to remove His hand of protection in order to bring them back to Him. They had to feel the weight of their rebellion before they could understand their true need for the Lord. But even though His presence was no longer “felt”, His promise remained.

Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life because it shapes our relationship with God. In 1 Samuel 1 , we see Hannah persistently praying for a son. Her persistence is born out of both desperation and real faith. She doesn’t hide her pain or anguish—she openly pours out her heart and soul before God. In the same way, we are invited to come honestly before God in our prayers. Persistent prayer deepens our relationship with God. It teaches us to trust Him rather than de