Our Daily Bread Devotional January 7, 2024 Sunday ODB Message
Read Our Daily Bread Devotional January 7, 2024 ODB Message written by Arthur Jackson and Today’s Insight By Arthur Jackson
Topic: Ripe for God’s Restoration
Bible in a Year: Genesis 18–19; Matthew 6:1–18
Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. – Psalm 80:7
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 80:1,7–14,19
Our Daily Bread Devotional January 7, 2024 Insight:
Understanding the imagery used in Psalm 80 helps us understand the psalm as well as the One to whom the psalmist appealed. Two different images of the leader of God’s people are wedded together in verse 1: “Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.”
Stunningly, the One who can restore both cares like a shepherd and occupies heaven’s throne! The prayer chorus included in the psalm is repeated three times (vv. 3, 7, 19) and asks the One who commands and controls the universe to “restore us . . . make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” The petition echoes the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:25: “The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.”
Our Daily Bread Devotional January 7, 2024 MESSAGE
The pictures coming from a friend’s text stream were stunning! Photos of a surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant, dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a motor to match the other upgrades. There were also “before” pictures of the same vehicle—a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be difficult to envision, it’s likely that when the vehicle rolled off the assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear, and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God’s people in Psalm 80 and thus the repeated prayer: “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved” (v. 3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty (vv. 8–11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were experiencing the hand of God’s judgment (vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea: “Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!” (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant, or disconnected from God? Is joyful soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1). What’s keeping you from asking?
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God? What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration. Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
Our Daily Bread 7 January 2024 Sunday ODB Message. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY