Psalm 126 (NRSV)
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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
Perhaps we may dare with the psalmist to recall some of our times of greatest joy. What were those times for you? What made them so joyful? Often our joy comes at a time of great positive intensity in our relationships. Sometimes we find joy in an experience of spontaneous self-giving or at being suddenly grasped by a revelation of God’s presence. Joy cannot be bought or manufactured. It can only be embraced and remembered, thus becoming a bit of light and hope for all that comes after. We remember joys as the gifts they are and trust that God, who is faithful, just and merciful, seeks always to fill our arms and hearts with revelations of the love that will overcome all things.
Prayer
God of love and faithfulness, may we hold our arms and hearts open to receive your gifts. So fill us with trust in you that we may anticipate your gift of joy even through our tears. Shape us, dear Lord, to bear gifts of joy to others. Amen.