Psalm 126

Psalm 126 (NLT)
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
Author: Anonymous

1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!

4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

This psalm is believed to be referring to Ezra chapter 1 where those who were exiled from Judah (Israel) returned to their homeland – about 50,000 of them made the journey. Verses 1 to 3 express the exceeding joy of those who made it back. “It was like a dream!” they sang. Even the other nations exclaimed that the Lord has done amazing things for them. “Amazing things…!” Sense the excitement and joy!

Verses 4 to 6 go on as a prayer of faith and restoration. As an exiled people, they have lost much and wept much while being kept away from their homeland. But now that they are back, they are able to sing and recognise that even though it seemed like much tears and sorrow were experienced, at some point, the Lord is faithful and will restore what was taken from His people.

I see many relevant applications of this psalm in our lives.

Whether it’s on a personal or corporate level, when God begins to move in His amazing ways, it’s hard to keep it a secret. When you experience something wonderful from God, don’t you just have to tell someone? More often than not, people already can see God’s amazing work in your life and praise God for it!

For the past few months, God has showed up in amazing ways in youth service. How amazing! I have been really joyful and excited when I see what God is doing. I tell everyone about it!

It is especially key to note that the whole theme of this psalm focuses on restoration. We may have experienced some kind of loss in our lives – perhaps sin has drawn us far from God. But when we are restored by God in His mercy, don’t we feel so happy and alive?

The use of contrast is important to note as well:

Streams and the desert – deserts represent dry, lifeless places. To have streams flow in deserts is firstly a miracle, and secondly a sign that there is a source of life deeper than the surface. Do you have dry and lifeless areas in your life? Will you pray for streams in the desert? God is a God of miracles. He can provide life in areas where you seem to be dry and fruitless. Jesus is the Source of Life.

Tears and joy / Weeping and singing – From crying to joy. From heartbreak to hope. Personally, I relate this very much to my own life often. Many times, when I “plant”, sow and invest in people out of love for God, it can be accompanied by lots of tears and heartbreak because I don’t see the fruit for a long time. The sowing can be painful because it requires sacrifice, pain and setting aside my own agenda. However there is always a time of harvesting with joy. When I see the seeds that I have planted in people begin to bear fruit, it is all worth it. I have learnt that God is the one who causes growth. I’m only in charge of sowing and harvesting.

“God’s ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God’s great harvest of joy is coming!”
- Commentary on Psalm 126 (Life Application Bible)