# 48 2021 Dev. Psalm 126:3. Joy! Read all of Psalm 126 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filed with joy.”
Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent.” Songs of ascent were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon back to Jerusalem.
Psalm 126 is a two stanza song of ascents closely connected to Ps.125 in structure and theme; God protects, Ps.125, God restores, Ps.126. The place of exile is not mentioned but the Psalm lends itself to a major restorative event. (Footnote a, brought back the captives)
V.1 “When the Lord restored… we were like those who dreamed.” Their country, their city, their temple, all of it, destroyed. Returning to the land is overwhelming. Most of us identify: can you believe it? I am healed, my health has been restored, can you believe it, I can be and I am saved, my spirit is restored, my fortune, my marriage, my child, we can go on and on.
V.2 “Our mouths were filled with laughter,” They were filled with joy, overflowing with joy and goodness. Others joined in; ‘the Lord has done great things for them.’” We experience this as well: family, friends, fellow church members, neighbors and even strangers join in with our joy of restoration.
V.3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy! Do we recognize God’s hand in our lives? How quickly we forget when the crisis is over, but we can never forget the greatest gift that God gives, our salvation in Christ Jesus. Amen!
V.4 “Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.” We share in this prayer, Lord stay close to us and our families.
V.5“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” They returned to a place in seventy years of neglect, many tears were shed in that place. Life can be hard for us as well; disappointments, loss of loved ones, jobs, of goods and of wellbeing and safety. We all shed tears.
V.6 “Those who go out weeping… will return with songs of joy.” We Imagine the former prisoners enjoying their freedom, their first harvest, their first year, free from oppression and bondage, we feel their overwhelming joy. What are you rejoicing about today, during this time of thanksgiving: good health, family, friends, freedom, safety and security? We could go on and on but our God is good and we give thanks and we rejoice in His providential care! Amen!
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