Psalms of Ascent Part 7

Psa 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psa 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

God has never promised an easy path for His people. He has, however, promised that He will be with us and to work everything for our good. In Jeremiah 24, the prophet was given a vision of good and bad figs. Interestingly, it was the good figs who were to be carried into the captivity referred to in this Psalm.

They were to be there for 70 years, but they would leave suddenly. Often in our own lives situations and circumstances seem like they will never end or improve, however when God moves it is sudden. Like Zacharias who had been praying a long time for a son, when Gabriel appeared and gave him the promise of a son he could not believe it. Often when we have been praying for an answer for a long time we are not really ready for it when it comes. We have to blink and rub our eyes and ask ourselves, “Is this real?”

The streams in the south (Negev) refer to the seasonal streams in that region. Much of the year you could visit those areas and see no water, and doubt that a river could ever flow in that region again, but when the rains come these streams are torrents. When I was in Botswana there had been several years of drought and there was talk of removing a certain river from maps, because it had not flowed in 20 years! However that year heavy rains came and the river was back. Sometimes things like this happen in our own lives we wonder if everything will always so dry and barren. When the rains come it will change.

If we are faithful to sow the precious Word of God and good deeds in good times and bad, a harvest will spring up. To the upright arises light in darkness. Light and happiness are sown for them, they merely must wait for their harvest. To God be praise for His goodness!