Restore Our Fortunes, O Yahweh – Psalm 126

The Negev is Israel’s southern desert.  Some pilgrims from Beersheba, for example, going to Jerusalem, would have traveled through the Negev.  It was dry, but there were occasional times of rain when streams would flow through the desert.  The same is true today in the Negev (see here).  It is an apt metaphor of our need for God’s provision.

A Song of Ascents.

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  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.”  The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.  (Psalm 126 ESV)

We remember a time when getting back to the good life we once had seemed impossible, like a dream.  But then God did a miracle that others took note of as well and restored us to our previous joy and laughter.  Now we are ready again for Yahweh to do great things for us.  We have been sowing seed with tears, hoping for a harvest of joy, but it has been like planting a crop in the desert.  Send streams in the desert, Lord.  Set us to shouting.