Sowing...weeping...joy! Restoration!

READ Psalms 125-126

The Psalmist prays for God’s help and restoration in 126. He believes with deep faith that God will answer and restore the fortunes of his people. Hear his movin prayer and declaration of faith.

“Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like streams in the Negeb!

 Those who sow in tears

shall reap with shouts of joy!

 He who goes out weeping,

bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy,

bringing his sheaves with him.” (4-6)

We in California certainly can relate to the blessing of “streams in the Negeb (desert).” In the midst of our severe drought we pray for rain. What a profound joy it would be for us to see streams running in our desert. But there is also a definite element of faith in this prayer. He knows that those who “sow in tears” will “reap with shouts of joy.” Those who weep in their sowing will “come home with shouts of joy.”

Many pastors through the years have used this to illustrate the burden of evangelism and sowing the seed of God’s Word. But also we can see the promise of God to his faithful people who simply cry to him in distress in the midst of the pain of their lives. God will answer and he will give joy. It may not be till we see Jesus for all eternity, but it will be everlasting joy in his presence. You can count on it.

Prayer: Father, you are so faithful to us. The Psalmist knew you as the faithful, restoring God. So we turn to you and cry out for your restoration to come. Show us your steadfast mercy and grace. Let the nations be filled with your praise.

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