The Lord Has Done Great Things
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. - Psalm 126
Psalm 126 is a song of celebration sung by a nation that had known deep sorrow. After years in exile, God brought His people back to the Promised Land - back to Jerusalem, back to Zion. Their return felt like a dream - so surprising and wonderful that they could hardly believe it was real. Laughter replaced weeping. Joy returned where sorrow had lingered. And the people knew exactly where to give credit. “The Lord had done great things for us.”
This short psalm reminds us that God is a God of restoration. He doesn’t just bring His people through hard times - He brings them out of hard times with renewed joy. Verses 5-6 give us a powerful image: “Those who sow with tears will reap with joy!” In other words, the tears we shed in seasons of hardship are not wasted. They are like seeds planted in faith, and in time, God will bring a harvest of joy.
The people of Israel could look back and clearly see the hand of God - And so can we! He has done great things in our lives - sometimes in ways we didn’t understand in the moment. And just as He was faithful to Israel, He will be faithful to us.
Wherever you are today - whether in the middle of sowing with tears, or rejoicing in a season of joyful harvest - take heart! The Lord is still doing great things.
Think about this:
Can you recall a time when GOd turned your sorrow into Joy?
How does that memory strengthen your faith today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who restores. Thank You for the great things You have done in our lives - and for the greater things that are still to come. Even when we can’t see it - You are there! Help us to trust You in seasons of sorrow, knowing that joy is coming. Teach us to sow in faith, to wait with hope, and to rejoice in Your faithfulness. Fill our hearts today with the joy of remembering all You’ve done and a hope for the future. In Jesus name, Amen.
