A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 80

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 80
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock (Psalm 80:1).
 
Someone once asked me, “Based upon Scripture, what is my favorite name of God?” Yes, it was hard to decide. It came down to two. Both names had to do with my relationship with God. The first was the name “Father”. The name “Shepherd” was a close second.
 
In Psalm 80, the psalmist immediately calls upon the Lord as the “Shepherd of Israel”. Calling God “Shepherd” doesn’t mean much unless you’re a sheep. A wolf doesn’t need a shepherd!
 
Here are three main reasons why sheep need a shepherd:

• Sheep stand no chance against an enemy. The only shield they can stand behind is the rod of a shepherd.
• Sheep have no internal GPS. When they get lost, they are lost. Their shepherd needs to be out front leading them, not lagging behind at the back of the flock.
• Sheep are very emotional and insecure. Yelling at the top of your lungs may work for a cowboy herding cattle, but sheep need to hear the reassuring voice of their shepherd.

 
Since the Lord is our perfect Shepherd, and we are His needy sheep, here are a few prayers we can pray:
 
Lord,
You are a speaking Shepherd. I love the sound of Your voice. I love Your words. I love Your tone. I love the things I hear that come from Your heart. I am listening. I am ready to follow.
 
And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice (John 10:4).

Lord,
Your name is Chief Shepherd, You are in control…when I try to be, things can quickly unravel. Thank You for the security that comes when I take things out of my hands and place them into Yours. You run things so well!

The LORD is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
 
Lord,
Thank You for feeding me. I’ve never followed You anywhere and ended up eating sand…even if I were in a desert place, I know I would find Your stream, and it would bring me to green pastures.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures ( Psalm 23:2).
 
Lord,
We are on a steep climb today…thank You for the resting places You prepare along the way. In these quiet moments, as I wait upon You,
Restore my soul.

He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3).
 
Insight: Because the Lord calls us His sheep, He knows how needy we are and how dependent we are upon Him. He wouldn’t want it any other way!

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 

Restore, Renew and Refresh in the Psalms

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