Thursday, March 15, 2012

Psalm 126: Rejoice at life and Praise the Lord. Work hard but lift all to God in prayer


Psalm 126

New International Version (NIV)
 1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of[a] Zion, 
   we were like those who dreamed.
[b] 
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, 
   our tongues with songs of joy. 
Then it was said among the nations, 
   “The LORD has done great things for them.” 
3 The LORD has done great things for us, 
   and we are filled with joy.
 4 Restore our fortunes,[c] LORD, 
   like streams in the Negev. 
5 Those who sow with tears 
   will reap with songs of joy. 
6 Those who go out weeping, 
   carrying seed to sow, 
will return with songs of joy, 
   carrying sheaves with them.

Daniel’s Thoughts:

This psalm may refer to the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon Ezra 2:1 Nehemiah 7:5

These exiles and returns had been promised. See Isaiah 40:1-2, 44:21-22

They rejoice at their return for God was faithful. The work of the Lord is praised by Israel and the nations, even those who hate Israel. They see God at work, for how else could this have happened? So Israel gives the glory to God, saying the Lord has done great things for us.

Yet upon returning, life is difficult. There is much work to do and it will not be easy. So they pray to God asking for a blessing. God sends the rains upon his people as promised in Lev 26:4 Deut 11:10-12, Deut 28:12. The water sustains and replenishes life. In scripture water is a picture of the Spirit of God as in John 7:37-38.

They work hard but also sow with tears knowing the life of their family depends on it. They pray, work and trust that God will provide abundantly. As v6 says they go out weeping but also carrying seed yet they come back rejoicing and with sheaves abundant food.

In our lives we ought to do the same as the Israelites. We should work hard, but ask God for blessings trusting in Gods promise and blessings. For though we work, everything we have and receive is a gift from God. We cannot earn anything. In ministry this may be particularly hard to remember I am called to work hard, but that I am not the one bringing about the good. God is the worker and the one changing hearts. In the hard times when life and ministry do not seem fruitful this will be hard to keep working and trusting God. But as Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Do not give up or lose heart! Trust in the Lord as we do his work and live the blessing of life he gave us!


Daniel’s Prayer:

Lord

Everything I have is a gift from you!
You created all things through your Word Jesus
My life is a blessing from you!

You have brought me to where I am
You have made me prosper
You have brought me from darkness into the light of knowing you

In all things I want to give you thanks!
I want to rejoice in this life I have from you!

Lord you have done great things!
Lord I want to praise you
Lord let all people praise you for your works
In the world
And even the work you have done in my life

God I ask for your blessing on my work
Please work all for my good as I have seen you do already
Please use my ministry, school and life for your glory!

I want to trust in you alone!
In my future, my value, my purpose, my life
I want to trust all of this to you Lord!
Amen

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