PSALM 126: A Harvest of Joy
Most bible scholars believe this Psalm has two parts.
The Psalmist has a grateful heart. He looks back on God’s mighty acts and faithfulness to his people, particularly God’s restoration of Israel to Jerusalem. Oh, the magnificence of the city had been destroyed, walls crumbled, sacred sites desecrated or demolished; but the people who stayed behind to witness this day and time of God’s restoration gave loud and ebullient praise and exhortation about the mighty works of God.
God did accomplish what they had dreamed of and longed for, bringing those who endured a brutal political occupation from deep despair to estatic joy. God was able to turn anguish into laughter and replace a life of sorrow with one overrun by joy. Thanks be to God!
For these things past and all things to come, the Psalmist tells us to first, give thanks to God, for we know that God can give us an abundant life.
Modern day psalmist Leslie Brandt prays these words:
“Let us begin this day by rejoicing!
Wherever we go, we go forth as sons and servants of the living God. And we go forth to touch the lives of all persons with His healing love. Let us begin this day with rejoicing. And return to our homes with gladness. ”
Psalms/Now by Leslie Brandt
Dorothy Turner-Lacy
No comments:
Post a Comment