Psalm 126 - “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 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.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

The two halves of Psalm 126 express two related themes - remembrance of God’s acts of salvation in the past (vv. 1-3), and desire for God’s continued blessing in the future (vv. 4-6).  The psalmist first describes how the people of Israel were filled with joy when God rescued them, perhaps in reference to their return from exile in Babylon.

He continues by asking God for new blessings, acknowledging that his people still need God to intervene on their behalf day by day.  This pattern of recalling God’s great deeds and praying for new salvation reflects the eager anticipation that Israel felt toward the coming of the Messiah.

In the same way, those who believe in Christ today can both remember the past and rejoice in the future.  The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were more than great historical deeds - they are the ultimate foundation of our faith in God for each present moment.  Even through impending hardship, we hold onto the hope of Psalm 126, that God has the will and the desire to continue His work of great joy in our lives.

Like the author of Psalm 126, let’s engage today in two steps of prayer.  First, let’s praise and thank God for the many ways that He has rescued us, most importantly by sending His Son.  Next, we can ask God with great anticipation for new blessings that reflect His glory, so that we may look forward to a greater joy in Him.

-CK