Psalm 126
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,[a]
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
It finally happened. All that grieving, it finally led to a sustained place of joy.
Don't we wonder if that will be true? I sure did.
I write to this to encourage you to follow God into the places that cause Him to grieve...
for you
for your relationship with Him
for your relationships with others
for the things that are not right or good in this world
I promise you it will be worth it! I promise that God will give you what you need from Him to walk it out! I read these words of Psalm 126 and I know, that I know, that I know they are true. Have you noticed how loudly I've been singing in church lately. That's my interpretation of shouting!
Dear Lord,
How beautiful and satisfying it is to know that Your words are true. I'm thankful you taught this eternal optimist how to grieve. It was a hard sell. I'm glad I no longer wonder if I will know real joy in this life. You have blown me away this summer. So much planting has come to harvest in my life and in my relationships with other people. I know full well how much I resisted you in all of this so it's easy to give you the credit. For my friends who wonder now if they will make it through to a place of joy, I pray that you will sustain them as you did me. I have no idea how long this season of joy will last in my own life, I pray you will help me be deeply thankful for it each and every day. May all these realizations bring about a heart that is more devoted to You than ever before. May you be glorified.
Amen
