Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

— Psalm 80:3

Today’s Bible passage addresses a deep-down concern: Is peace with God ever possible after God decides to hold us accountable for our sins? As the psalmist pointedly cries out: “How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?”

The reality of God’s gift of salvation in Christ does not give us freedom to do whatever we want without consequences. Psalm 80 recognizes that our sins damage our relationships with God and with each other. The psalmist describes how God’s discipline of Israel is evident among the nations: “You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors. . . . Your vine is cut down . . . at your rebuke your people perish.” There is no argument about Israel’s sinfulness, no complaint that God’s discipline might be too harsh. But Psalm 80 returns again and again to God’s character: “Make your face shine on us.” God is the one who chose Israel and who cares for them. The psalmist is declaring that God is the only one who can restore them.

Advent gives us an opportunity to be honest with God about our sins. Jesus came to restore us and all of his creation from the consequences of our sin—something we could not do on our own. Peace with God is only possible because Jesus took on himself the consequences of our sin.

Lord, you know our sins. We cannot hide them or even justify them before you. Thank you for sending Jesus to restore us and to make us right with you. Amen.