Growing in faith is an essential part of our journey as teenagers. It helps us build a strong foundation and navigate through the challenges we face. In Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, we discover the powerful theme of restoration. This topic is vital for teenagers because it reminds us that no matter how broken or lost we may feel, God has the power to restore us and bring us back into a vibrant relationship with Him. Through this Sunday school lesson, we will explore the significance of restoration and how it can transform our lives.
Bible Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
“Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.
Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”
Explanation
- Verse 1: The psalmist calls upon God as the Shepherd of Israel, acknowledging His leadership and care for His people.
- Verse 2: The plea for restoration is made, asking God to shine His face upon them and save them.
- Verses 3-4: The psalmist expresses the desperation felt due to God’s apparent anger and their suffering.
- Verses 5-6: They continue to ask for restoration, emphasizing the need for God’s face to shine upon them, so they may be saved.
- Verse 7: The psalmist recognizes the role of the chosen one, the Messiah, who will bring about their restoration.
- Verses 17-18: The psalm concludes with a plea for God to restore His people, affirming their commitment to Him.
- Verse 19: The psalm ends with a final cry for restoration, acknowledging that only through God’s intervention can they be saved.
Discussion Questions
- How does the imagery of God as a shepherd help us understand His role in our lives?
- Why do you think the psalmist emphasizes the need for God’s face to shine upon them?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you felt broken or lost? How did you seek restoration?
- What does it mean for us to call on the name of the Lord? How can this bring about restoration in our lives?
Youth Group Game: “Restoration Relay”
In this game, divide the youth group into teams of four or five. Set up a relay race where each team member has to complete a task that represents restoration. For example:
- The first member could solve a puzzle representing brokenness.
- The second member could navigate an obstacle course representing challenges.
- The third member could answer a trivia question about God’s restoration in the Bible.
- The final member could complete a word search representing finding God’s purpose.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to learn about restoration today. Help us to remember that no matter how broken or lost we may feel, you have the power to restore us and bring us back into a vibrant relationship with you. Guide us in our journey of faith and teach us to rely on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
May this Sunday school lesson inspire and encourage our teenagers as they grow in their faith and seek God’s restoration in their lives. Remember, God’s power to restore is not limited to this psalm but extends to each one of us.