‘GREAT THINGS FOR US…’
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Opening Prayer
Lord God, you are forever faithful—faithful to your Word, faithful to your promises, always faithful to me. Thank you for creating me, thank you for calling me to be your own, and thank you for the kingdom work you do in and through me.
Read PSALM 126
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.[b]
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Footnotes
- Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to
- Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
- Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you had a difficult or a joyful week? Whichever, take time to reflect now on the words of this psalm.The Lord has done wonderful things for his people (v. 3)! After exile and captivity in a foreign land, God brings them back to their homeland (probably around 358 BC). Now, they sing psalms of praise as they go up to worship in Jerusalem (v. 2), recalling all God has done for them. So great is their praise, surrounding peoples can’t help but notice and recognize the greatness of the Israelites’ God. Our worship can be a witness in itself to non-believers.
Their joy bursts out; their homecoming is like a dream (vv. 2, 3). But then they see the reality (vv. 4–6). In their absence, the land has become desolate. Yet, trusting in their faithful God, they pray for bountiful times to return—and get to work (vv. 4, 5).
Despite optimism and faith, there will be no quick fixes. In reality, there will be years of hard work and tears before they see the fruit of their labors (v. 6). For us too, despite the hardship and grief our troubled world brings, we can be sure: God is faithful and will bring his strength to us as we work at the tasks he has given in the here and now. Despite our tears, he will ‘restore our fortunes’ in unexpected ways (v. 4).
Apply
Bring your joys and troubles to God as you say this psalm aloud. Let his voice encourage you to praise and to work.
Closing prayer
As I wait on you, Father, help me to rest with patient hope and to live a life overflowing with praise that testifies to your great love and faithfulness.
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