Some time ago, a news story highlighted hundreds of workers who were suddenly laid off without severance pay. Among them, a young mother said with a trembling voice, "I don't know what to do, but I believe God will open a way." The short words illustrate sincere faith, even though surrounded by uncertainty, she still dares to hope. The same tone is heard in Psalm 80, when Israel was humiliated by enemies and living in tears, they still cried out to the Shepherd of Israel, the only one capable of restoring them.

This psalm opens with a longing, "Incline your ear, you who led Joseph as a flock!". Calling God the Shepherd is not just a greeting, but a confession of faith. In ancient traditions, kings were depicted as shepherds who looked after their subjects. But Asaph emphasized that only Yahweh truly guides, protects and brings Israel out of Egypt, like grapes that are transferred and planted in a new land (verse 9). Three times the call “Restore us” is repeated (verses 4, 8, 20), affirming the belief that restoration does not depend on human strength, but on God's face shining again. This is the heart of the prayer, that only when God is present and pleased can life be reordered.

However, the psalmist does not sugarcoat the inner wounds of the people. He describes tears as their food and drink (verse 5). It's a metaphor that paints a picture of deep sorrow, as if grief has seeped into everyday life. From a psychological perspective, this reflects what is called communal trauma, when suffering is not just an individual's, but becomes a shared identity. But in the lamentation lies hope, the courage to express sorrow to God, making tears turn into prayers. The question "how much longer?" is not a sign of despair, but the courage to keep believing that God might still answer.

Friends of the Bible, true faith is not always present in smiles or assurance, but also in questions and tears. Asking God is not a sign of doubt, but proof that we still hope in Him. Just as grapes can only bear fruit when they receive sunlight, our lives will only grow when God's face shines upon us. In the midst of social injustice, moral degradation, and crises that surround the nation, let us not be silent. Dare to ask questions, because questions born of faith will keep hope alive. And when we turn to Him, we not only look forward to restoration, but are also called to be agents of restoration in the world.