Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord

A Song of Ascents.

126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!
⁵ Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

Reflection

• This is a song of celebration by the exiles who returned to Zion. What emotions do you see expressed throughout this psalm? Have you ever experienced such emotions?
• Has God ever done something so great that you had to pinch yourself to see if you were dreaming?
• The Israelites give God the credit for the “great things” that have happened. How do you do with giving God the credit?
• When do you feel inhibited about freely expressing your joy?
• What do you need to praise God for? Share your joy with him and others.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.