You are worried about your farm. After months of drought, you finally see clouds gathering. Rain starts pouring down. The parched ground sips up the fresh rainwater greedily. A minute ago, the field was a hopeless sight. Now, it is a field full of new life and growth. We see this joy and renewal in Ps 126. God’s restoration turns sorrow into celebration. He turns our mourning into dancing again.
“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” (verses 1 and 2)
The people are overjoyed when God restores them. Their long season of despair is turned into a season of laughter and praise. We see that deep joy can only come from God. This joy is so overwhelming. It is like a dream come true. And in God, dreams can come true.
Ps 126 encourages us to trust in God’s timing and his ability to breathe new life into us. In times of struggle, we are reminded to pray with hope, knowing God can and will restore us. Seeds sown in tears can lead to harvest of joy. Our struggles today can lead to growth and a renewed faith tomorrow.
A breakthrough in the project. A restored health. A recovered dog. A revived career. A reconciled relationship. A renewed passion. A new enjoyment of life. All these can happen. In God, all things are possible.
I invite you to say this prayer.
Father, thank you for being the restorer of joy. Help me to trust you through my dry seasons and to believe in your power to bring new life. Help me to always rejoice in your faithfulness and hold on to your promises. Amen.
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