How Do I Pray When Life Is Hard? (Psalm 80) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Today we study Psalm 80 and learn how to pray when life is hard. There is an old idea that we finally look up to God once we hit rock bottom. God's heart is that we would turn to Him sooner, because He is the only way through those hard seasons.

"O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved." (Psalm 80:19)

Questions this episode answers

What is the main prayer of Psalm 80?

Psalm 80 repeats a simple cry: restore us, make Your face shine on us, and we will be saved. Israel was hurting and knew only God could bring them back. The repeated line teaches us to keep asking God for restoration.

Is it okay to ask God for help when I am struggling?

Yes. The Psalms are full of honest prayers from people in pain. God invites us to come to Him in our need, not only after everything falls apart.

What does it mean for God to make His face shine on us?

It is a picture of God's favor and presence, echoing the priestly blessing in Numbers 6. To have His face shine on us means knowing He is near and glad to help. It is a request for relationship, not just rescue.

Links

Our contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui gives you room to pray the Psalms with a small group of women who understand hard seasons.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

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