stephen R Harrison

In this seventh Song of Ascent, the psalmist remembered when the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion from their captivity in Babylon (vv. 1-3) and petitioned the Lord for continual restoration as they rebuilt their lives once again in Jerusalem (v. 4-6). The people of God rejoiced in the fact the Lord had restored them back to their land after captivity, but they still needed God’s presence and provision after their return. It would be like being glad to be back on your land after your house burned down, but recognizing you still needed help rebuilding your home. While they were free and had returned home, the people of God needed God’s continual restoration and presence to provide and sustain them. The Babylonian occupation of Jerusalem while the people of God were in captivity for seventy years had detrimental effects on the land. Agricultural prosperity was needed to sustain Israel once again, thus the imagery to it in verses 4-6. The rebuilding of their agricultural infrastructure meant life and death. They needed water for their crops (v. 4). They believed the hard work of sowing would result in joyous harvesting (v. 5). They knew planting seeds and working the soil would be tough but had full faith God would cause them to reap bountifully (v. 6).

Although the first three verses of Psalm 126 do not record the trials or sorrows of Israel’s long captivity, it is apparent through the mentioning of the return of their joy and laughter that the people of God had endured immense hardships. Sometimes, people do not see the burdens you bear. Only God knows everything we suffer in this life. Suffering is sometimes so severe that it manifests itself openly, but most other times it is comprised of internal anguish and pain. Some people wear their suffering on their sleeve for all to see. No doubt, we all express it at times because it is just too difficult to keep inside. It is in the demonstration of joy amid suffering in our lives that others are encouraged in their own suffering. Joy is contagious! Joy brings hope! Hope and joy are both found exclusively in Jesus! The hope and joy of Christ must be present in our weeping as He will inspire us and those around us to persevere through difficulties!

When the Lord sends His help in our distress, it causes us to be like those who dream again (v. 1) by giving us hope and filling our mouths with laughter and tongues with joy (v. 2). As we remember all the great things the Lord has done for us (v. 3), it should cause us to trust in Him in our present circumstances for future help and restoration. Perhaps he has brought your marriage back together, but the harvest is not yet in full as there is lots of restorative work still to be done. You still need His presence, promises, and provision! Anyone who has ever planted a garden knows it is hard work. However, if you don’t plant, you don’t get anything to harvest! We cannot make a garden grow, only God can. However, we must do our part by sowing seeds. As we remember what God has done for us, it restores hope in all He will continue to do for us. In our waiting, there may be weeping, but there should also be joy! Joy is an outward sign of the presence of the Lord! While we joyfully remember all God has done and hopefully await all God will do, we continue to trust Him and enjoy His covenantal presence and promise.

Questions:

1. Are your reactions to suffering filled with joy and hope?

2. Have you forgotten all God has done for you in the past?

3. Do you trust God through His continual relational presence or do you attempt to use Him only for temporal relief of suffering?

Prayer:

Lord, help me remember how You have helped me in the past. Your character has not changed. You are still a loving, relational, covenantal God. Help me not to only turn to you in times of trouble but pursue You in daily relationship. Thank You for filling me with joy and hope! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.