Return in joy...

Return in joy...

The Jews have returned to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon...they rebuild the temple and the walls...rejoicing that they have returned to their homes and land...they listen to the Word read...they return with the Babylonian king's consent and blessing...just as God told them they would return....

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
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.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes,  Lord, like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126:1-6

Can't you just hear the sorrow turned to joy in this psalm? Plus, they give the praise to the Lord!!! They were led away as captives and returned as free...

There have been times in life that I/we experience that captive life.  Times when the events of life hold us captive, rebellious teens, colicky infants, fading parents, illnesses, grief....the list goes on and on ....

Then one day we are freed...the chains have been loosened...and we respond with joy and we may even want to sing for joy...we have sown the tears of sorrow and now sing songs of joy...then we bow in worship of the Lord who held our hands, who saw us through the darkness, who comforted, who never left us in the captivity which we faced...thank YOU....