June 14, 2026 - Psalms 126-130

The psalmist reflected on Israel’s past and how she had suffered greatly at the hands of her enemies.  But because of his trust in the Lord, the psalmist could call out to God, asking for help.  And not only did he seek God’s help in times of trouble, he prayed with confidence that the Lord would answer.  And he knew, even if it was not on his own personal timetable, that deliverance and joy would come.  How often we have been comforted with these words that, indeed, weeping will be but for a season but our experience will eventually be that of joy.

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.  (126:4-6)

The LORD can clear the darkest skies,

can give us day for night,

make drops of sacred sorrow rise

to rivers of delight.

Let those that sow in sadness wait

till the fair harvest come,

they shall confess their sheaves are great,

and shout the blessings home.

Though seed lie buried long in dust,

it shan’t deceive their hope;

the precious grain can ne’er be lost,

for grace insures the crop.  –Isaac Watts (1740)