Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart: http://sothrichfield.podbean.com
Psalm 126 (NIV)
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.
This world teaches us how to be greedy consumers demanding new toys and gadgets. Don’t believe me? Turn on the television for 10 minutes. Every commercial tells a story about how your life is incomplete without their product or service. That is not a life of joy. Instead, Psalm 126 invites us into a relationship with the source of joy. It reminds us that God has acted in the past on our behalf: “The Lord has done great things for us” (126:3) and invites us to anticipate God’s continued activity in the future: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (126:5). Life can be hard, but Psalm 126 reminds us that God loves to provide. Just look at the cross! What has God already done in your life? Where are the places God is bringing joy into your world? We already have the cross and we know heaven is coming, but we can trust that God is at work right now, too!