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
We can resonate with the psalmist’s talk of those who are weeping. For so many, the last two years have occasioned times of weeping. We have grieved canceled plans, postponed celebrations, layoffs, positive test results, and, most of all, loss of loved ones, neighbors, and strangers around the world.
However, what I find so compelling is how in the vision of the psalmist these tears become like seeds being planted in the ground. From these very tears will sprout the “shouts of joy” with an abundant harvest. As joy grows out of the suffering, the story becomes one of death and resurrection.
One of my favorite poems by Mary Oliver, “Lead,” ends with this line: “I tell you this /
to break your heart, / by which I mean only / that it break open and never close again / to the rest of the world.” Our suffering breaks us open—allowing us to experience the world, those around us, and God in new ways.
Prayer
God of joy and tears, we know that we are never far from your presence. Hold our hands as we grieve, and fill our broken hearts with your love. Amen.