xclose menu
  • Times & Directions
  • Giving at Grace
  • Events Calendar
  • Prayer Request

Journey to Bethlehem Day 19

Thursday, December 17 Psalm 126:4-6


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.


The Songs of Ascent, Pss. 120-134, are sometimes called the Pilgrim Psalms. They were sung by Hebrew worshipers trekking to Jerusalem to the temple each year. Their cry of remembrance to “restore our fortunes” in Ps. 126 was likely a reference to those who had been taken captive during the siege of King Nebuchadnezzar II.


This was a time filled with anguish for God’s chosen people. Their own sinfulness and idolatry had gotten them into this mess as they had repeatedly disobeyed God. The Lord’s judgement came, and they were taken from their own land. Forced into a life of captivity, they learned to obey God.


How many of us would have chosen the season God has placed our country in right now? It may or may not be the result of our nation turning away from God; or it may just be a part of His bigger plan to show us our desperate need of Him.


For the Hebrews, their cry for help was answered by God when He did indeed restore the fortunes of Zion and bring them back to their land. The people were full of joy! In their thankfulness they praised Him, singing as they walked.


Since their return to the land they have never again succumbed to the idolatry that is rampant in the nations surrounding them.


This is a good reminder for us that many difficult days may be ahead; but the fruit of faithfully obeying and depending on God will not go unnoticed by Him. He is always faithful and good in His dealings with His people.


Father help us during this Advent season to joyfully remember that you are a God who redeems.

Leave a Comment

Comments for this post have been disabled.