Today’s reading is Psalm 126.
It Wasn’t Supposed to Be Like This
Psalm 126 seems backwards. We expect the poem to begin with the request for God to restore their fortunes and end with the joy of God’s restoration response. Instead, this psalm says God had already restored Zion’s fortunes, but then begs God to restore their fortunes. Wait! Which is it? Has God already restored their fortunes or do they still need Him to?
The psalm is not at all backwards. Rather, the pilgrim is acquainted with real life. He came to Zion. It was so amazing he felt like he was dreaming. He and those with him rejoiced and shouted for joy. But life has its ups and downs. Life in Jerusalem is no different.
If we see this as a post-exilic psalm, it makes perfect sense. When God allowed the return, the people rejoiced. They couldn’t believe their fortune. What enslaved people get to return to their homeland? But they did. As they came back into their homeland, took residence, and started to rebuild, it was as if they were dreaming. They couldn’t contain their joy. But one day led to another. Some got distracted. Enemies still discouraged. There was so much more work to be done. They struggled. They could either give up or cry out to God for strength and further restoration.
If we see this as another step in the pilgrim’s story we’ve been telling through these Songs of Ascents, it makes perfect sense. Our pilgrim left warmongering Meshech and Kedar. When he arrived in Jerusalem, it was like a dream come true. He had made it to the city of peace. He knew he made it only because of God’s help. He praised God and shouted for joy. But he still faced scoffers. The scepter of wickedness still held influence on those around him. The joy diminished. Not every day was golden. He could either give up or cry out to God for more strength and further restoration.
If we see this as another step in our own pilgrimage, it makes perfect sense. We heard the gospel of Jesus and surrendered in baptism for the remission of our sins. Coming up out of that watery grave was incredible. Knowing we were given new life was fantastic. We experienced an overflowing fountain of blessing. We sang for joy and celebrated with our new family. Even others around us could tell God had done some incredible working in our lives. But we still lived in our homes, attended our schools, worked our jobs. Our bills still have to be paid. We still get sick every year. Friends and family still get sick and even die. The car still breaks down. And even more surprising, some of our trouble even comes from people we go to church with. Not to mention, our spiritual progress isn’t always in one direction. Sometimes it feels like we take one step forward and two steps back. We look back at the joy of our initial restoration by God and wonder why the fountain of blessing has dried up. We have a choice. We can give up or we can call out to God for grace, strength, and further restoration.
Our pilgrim psalmist is on a journey. He wants to convince us to make the journey. But he refuses to blow smoke. He tells the journey honestly. The journey is worth it. Shouts of joy have happened, do happen, and will happen. Don’t give up just because today doesn’t feel like one of those days. Remember God’s restoration in your life. Remember God will continue that work. God has blessed you. He is blessing you. He will bless you. Hang on to Him no matter what.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 126.
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does Psalm 126 prompt or improve your praise of God?
Read the Bible 