THE GOD WHO RESTORES

APRIL 22

Psalm 80

Psalm 80:3, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”

In December 2007, the Great Coastal Gale hit the North Oregon Coast with hurricane-force winds over 100 mph, knocking out power, phone lines, and road access. At church, when the storm began, we watched the roof shake and the lights go out, unaware of how much damage was being done. The next day, we found our church building severely hit with roofs torn off, walls compromised, and water damage throughout. The storm caused over $900,000 in damage, far more than we expected, and the road to recovery felt overwhelming. But in a moment of providence, we crossed paths with a trusted contractor while buying generators, and his crew began repairs the very next day.  They worked on the building for ten months, strengthening the structure from the foundation up. What began as devastation turned into an unexpected blessing: a fully restored, upgraded, and more functional facility—better than it had ever been. The storm caused incredible damage, but also paved the way for an amazing restoration, becoming a vivid reminder that God can take even destruction and turn it into something beautiful—for His glory.

In this psalm, the psalmist prays three times for God’s restoration of his nation (Psalm 80:3, 7, 19). The Bible often likens Israel to a vineyard, as does the psalmist does here.  God brought the vine out of Egypt, and carefully planted it in prepared soil, so that it might flourish (Psalm 80:8-11).  It grew strong and wide, symbolizing the nation’s growth and prosperity under God’s care.  But then God broke down the walls of the vineyard (Psalm 80:12).  Wild animals ravaged it, and the once thriving vineyard was burned and razed. 

It was sin that was at the heart of the vineyard’s demise, and this psalm reminds us that there is but One qualified to repair from sin’s devastating influence.  When it comes to restoration from that, no one rivals Jesus in His ability to save and transform!  One day, God, in fulfilling His promises, will fully restore Israel, for which the psalmist prayed.  In the meantime, He stands ready and able to work a spiritual renewal to those who trust in Jesus!

“Jesus came to restore to man his lost inheritance. He came to lift us up again to where we belong. He came to raise us from our moral ruin to moral health, from spiritual death to spiritual life.” — A. W. Tozer, “The Purpose of Man”

Application Questions: Have you ever gone through a “storm” in life that left you feeling overwhelmed or broken? Looking back, can you see how God was at work even amid that hardship? The psalm and the story both highlight unexpected blessings through hardship. How can you practice looking for God’s restoration, especially when life doesn’t go as planned?

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment