The Lord has done Great Things for us

Psalm 126

A song of ascents

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.

2 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.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, LORD,

like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

We find a message of joy and hope in Psalm 126. Psalms 122-134 are all titled “A song

of ascents.” Jews traveling to Jerusalem for annual Jewish festivals traditionally sang

these songs on the ascent to the city. Each of these Psalms can offer encouragement to

us today, but today we’ll focus on Psalm 126.

This particular Psalm looks back to the time when the captives were returning to

Jerusalem after exile in Babylon. After Cyrus issued a proclamation that allowed the

Jews to return home (Ezra 1:1-4), it felt almost too good to be true, almost as if they

were dreaming! Their great sorrow in exile was suddenly transformed into laughter and

songs and joy!

As the Jews marveled at what God had done, the nations around them couldn’t help but

see how God had blessed His people. In verse 3, we see the Jewish people giving all

the glory to God, saying, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with

joy.” As we think about the application of this passage, this verse makes me wonder - Do

we marvel at God’s goodness to us and tell others about what He has done for us? Are

our neighbors aware that the joy we have can only come from God?

The mood shifts in verse 4 of Psalm 126. While the people are rejoicing in their return to

Jerusalem, it’s evident that they still face discouragement. They needed to rebuild the

temple and rebuild the walls. They pray that God would “restore their fortunes like

streams in the Negev.” The Negev was in the southern portion of Judah, a dry and

desolate land. But in the spring, rain could suddenly send streams pouring through the

desert, bringing new life to the land. Using this analogy, they are praying for sudden and

unexpected floods of blessings.

As we read verses 5-6, we are reminded that, while this life is filled with tears and

sorrow, God can turn our sorrow into joy. This process may not be sudden and

miraculous like the streams of Negev, but a result of God’s slow but certain work in us

and in His world. The Jews can look back and remember that the tears that were sowed

during exile in Babylon have reaped songs of joy and laughter.

Psalm 126 is a powerful reminder for us to remember what God has already done and to

trust that He will continue to bring restoration to His people. All of us have seasons of

sorrow and discouragement, but in remembering God’s great love and care for us, we

can move forward with hope.

During the Christmas season, the feelings of loss, sorrow, and loneliness can be

heightened. As we walk towards Christmas, we are reminded of the Jews’ journey from

sorrow to joy and hold onto the promises of God with hope and trust. And we look

forward to the day Jesus returns again and the sorrows of the world are replaced with

eternal joy in heaven.