Psalm 126 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 126 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Verse 2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."
Verse 3The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
Verse 4Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
Verse 5May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Verse 6Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
Devotion
“The Lord has done great things for us.” The Psalms are honest expressions of faith. They tell the things that we feel deep in our hearts. Pilgrims ascending the road into Jerusalem to celebrate their festivals sang Psalm 126.
The pilgrims never tired of telling the story how the Lord had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. We also have been delivered from the slavery of the Evil One. We are thankful today for much, including life and health and every good. Most of all, however, we are thankful for the gift of salvation that the Lord gives us through his Son, Jesus Christ.
This is a day to be happy with laughter and joy. It is also a day to remember those whose lives are filled with sorrow and weeping. They are many and they are near us. We can share the great things that the Lord has done for us.
Prayer
Gracious God, you continue to do great things for us. On this Thanksgiving Day, we magnify your name and plead for your blessing of holiness upon our nation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.