Psalm 126:1-3 (CEB)


1 When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better,
    it was like we had been dreaming.
Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter;
    our tongues were filled with joyful shouts.
It was even said, at that time, among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Yes, the Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are overjoyed.


Reflection

Surprise! Here is a song of praise that recognizes joy after long-standing hardship. God’s people were in exile in Babylon, but now change has finally come. The psalmist shouts of the joy of finally returning home! If you close your eyes and think of yourself as coming home after a long and difficult trip, can’t you just see it?

As we creep cautiously out of the world-wide pandemic, we can feel the kinship to those of long ago. Perhaps we understand the need to celebrate now more than ever! With the challenges of the past few years, we can sense the joy of finally feeling that life is returning to something known and loved. We have a need for joy, a need to celebrate! Today I can imagine that we might say,

 “When the Lord changed Zion’s circumstances for the better,

It was like we had been dreaming.

Our mouths (are) suddenly filled with laughter;

our tongues (are) filled with joyful shouts.”

Of course in our return, our circumstances may always feel different. But our joy may be found by knowing that although our circumstances have changed, God helps our hearts find a home in God’s self. Our greatest joy is in knowing that however we are, we can find home and what is familiar through a connection to our Lord. So be happy to celebrate the moment and find joy however and wherever you can. “Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.”

by Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

Bring your praises to the present! They are celebrations of thanksgiving of God’s gift that helps us find the familiar in and through our Lord. Even though life has changed in the past two years, how can you recognize the joy of finding home with God? What or how is your celebration?

Prayer: Gracious God, Thank you for helping me to find the familiar in you. Thank you that my heart may find a home in you! I want to shout for joy. Yes, Lord, you have done great things for me, and I am overjoyed! Amen.