by Rev. J. Loren Russell, B.A., MDiv
“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South5 Those who sow in tears
Psalm 126(NKJV)
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again]with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.”
This psalm is referred to as a song of degrees, or elevation. It occurs after the Lord graciously returned Israel to her home. They had been taken out of their captivity and delivered back to their homeland. The timing was unexpected, but it was a joyous occasion. Their mouths, once filled with bitterness and anger, are now filled with laughter. Their tongues, once silent, now sang songs of praise and joy. Their sadness turned to happiness. They shouted from the highest mountains how glad they were that the Lord had done great things for them.
Psalm 30:5 says “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” They endured the long night of weeping, now the morning has bought the joy back to their lives. When the psalmist writes, “bring back our captivity,” it really means “bless our people again” (CEV). They were grateful to be back in God’s grace and wanted everyone to know it.
It’s important to recognize that whenever you’re released from extreme suffering, from incredibly difficult times, from places, situations or circumstances that test every part of your being, it can seem surreal, like you’re dreaming. It could also feel like you’ve been awakened from a nightmare.
Their hearts, once filled with bitterness and anger, are now filled with laughter. Their tongues, once silent, now sang songs of praise and joy. Their sadness was turned to happiness. They shouted from the highest mountains how glad they were that the Lord had done great things for them.
When the psalmist writes, “bring back our captivity,” it really means “bless our people again” (CEV). There is a notable shift of emphasis from the rejoicing Israelites to theedification of the reader. “Those who sow in sorrow shall reap in joy” is an encouragement to everyone who reads it. It inspires us to stay strong even when the situation seems hopeless. Whatever the hardship, however dark the night, no matter the severity of the challenge, the good news is that “He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Don’t miss this; the psalmist is saying that the tears which flow from sorrowful eyes are the same tears that waters the seed that feed the sheaves. Sheaves are bundled, tall grain that will be prepared for the market to be sold. Sold grain is a blessing!
The blessing of this psalm for us today is that no matter how dark it gets, joy comes after the night!
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; and creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen on Matters of Faith on Facebook LIVE.
Follow Us