Oct 1

Psalm 126, 128, 129, 132, 147, 149

Psalms of a Nation Restored

Psalm126

When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,

we were like men 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, O LORD,

like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs of joy.

He who goes out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

Not long ago, I visited a church where the speaker shared a story about her son. He had always been very rebellious and she often wondered how God would ever reach him and touch his heart. One day, when she had had enough, she prayed, "God, do whatever You have to do to reach him and have him come to You." Years later after he had grown up and was married, he was having many difficulties in life that culminated when his wife left him. It was the most painful experience of his life. But through that pain he turned to God and began walking in His ways. His mother remembered that prayer she prayed those years before and believed that God used that painful experience to restore their relationship. As much as she didn't want to see her son in pain, she was thankful for the end result.

The Israelites has strayed far from God. After countless warnings, God's patiences ran out, and the people were sent into captivity. But He did not forget about them. He told them it would not last forever. Now we read the psalms celebrating the end of the captivity and the return to their home. I'm sure that God did not want to see His people in pain. He didn't want to see them crying or weeping. But it was necessary in order to break them of their sinful attitudes and bring them back to Him. Now they are experiencing the joy of a restored relationship with God!