“Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (Psalm 80:3)

This phrase is repeated twice more in the psalm’s entirety. It speaks volumes that the psalmist recognized the need for restoration. His was a nation saved by God and then sustained by God that they went astray and abandoned God. It is important I think to understand that when restoration is required it was never God who left. Our sins and evil deeds and thoughts separate us from God; He never instigates abandonment.

It is also important to notice in this verse that salvation is a gift of God and cannot be received when one is separated from Him. We must be restored in order to receive salvation. Restoration and salvation must be sought by us, but only God can grant them. Because we left God, we must seek restoration. Because we neglected salvation, we must seek its return to us.

Do not think for a moment that God will withhold either of these two gifts if we genuinely seek them. God is longsuffering we are told, not willing that any one of us be lost, but He wants all of us to come and be reconciled to His love and forgiveness. The move is not God’s but ours. He came all the way from heaven to win us to Him, but at that point, it is now our move.

Task for Today: Want to be restored to your first love? Do you desire to see the shining face of God? Repent, and ask for forgiveness. Come back to God. He will not refuse you but will welcome you back. Reread the story of the Prodigal Son.