RESTORE US, GOD - This psalm is a communal lament-people finding words to express their repentance and sadness over their present existence in relationship to God. Notice vv. 4-7 especially; the active words are "restore us," "put away" (God’s indignation), followed by rhetorical questions: "Will you: "be angry," prolong your anger?" "(not) revive us?"

RESTORE OUR WORSHIP - The beginning of the psalm may refer to the return of the exiles from Babylonia in 538 bce. The prayer seems to be a yearning to see Zion restored as the place of worship for the returning community.

CHRISTIAN PARALLELS: For Christians, the birth of Jesus Christ was the very coming of God, and his ministry was an embodiment of love, righteousness, faithfulness, and peace . . . But Christ promised to come again, and Christ taught disciples to continue to pray, ‘Your kingdom come’ . . . Thus, Christians also live perpetually awaiting salvation-between the already and the not yet. It is always appropriate that we pray with the psalmist, ‘Restore us again’ (v. 4). [1]

How can "believing backward" help you in "believing forward"?

What part of this psalm most speaks to your own experience and soul journey-verses 1-3? Verse 4? Verses 5-6? Or verses 10-13?

What are some current national laments that you would write to reflect your feelings of lament?

What makes God mad?

What has been a sign of renewal and restoration in your life?

This psalm articulates well the faith-rhythm of the human and communal experience. (1) A recalling or evaluating of past actions-paths that enjoyed God’s favor and blessing as well as choices that led into self-invited troubles. (2) the wondering of where God is during the critical present day; a wondering about God’s "feelings" toward us at this moment of apparent abandonment and how long this silence will continue; (3) a new day and anticipation that God will once again come to help and restore us to a healthy, presence-filled relationship with God.

You may want to retain the basic flow of the psalm by recalling past moments when God has been very evident to you or to the congregation; then move on to dark nights of the soul before concluding with new signs of hope and renewal.

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible IV (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), page 1018.