“[Chorus 1] Turn us, O God…
[Chorus 2] Turn us, O God of Heaven’s Armies…
[Bridge a] Turn to us, O God of Heaven’s Armies…
[Bridge b] Then we will not turn away from you…
[Chorus 3] Turn us, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies
cause your face
to shine on us,
that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80)
The repeated “choruses,” as well as the intriguing segue of the “bridges,” crescendos to the final chorus. We’re calling on God, the commander of the greatest heavenly forces imaginable, to deploy his troops to rescue us, to restore order in our world, to rebuild the ruins in our lives.
It’s so gratifying to see kids’ faces light up as they open their gifts—especially when it’s a surprise and something they truly desired. Imagine the Father’s delight as he sees our faces beam with wonder and amazement, as we receive the gift of his Son, Jesus—a complete surprise, yet exactly what we’ve always desired.
What would cause God’s face to shine, to smile, to radiate with delight? When he sees salvation at work. Broken lives mended. Trashed lives restored. Dead come alive.
Let’s pray: Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, turn us, turn us, turn us! Cause your face to shine on us! Do something in our lives that makes you smile when you see us! Look at us and do what makes you happy! It leads to salvation! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s joyfully sing “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” – click here —MERRY CHRISTMAS!
–JP