Psalm 126:1-7

Joy is to be one of the hallmarks of the believer’s life.  There are times when it is very easy to rejoice, but there are also many times when it is hard.  The joy that God desires to see in our lives is not conditional, but should be a constant reality.  However, in this sin cursed world, things with us are not always as they should be.  Our “real life” experiences tell us that there are days of misfortune and profound sadness.  Depression seems to be at an all-time high in today’s society and it does not seem to be much different in those who attend our churches.  How can we experience the unconditional joy that God demands and desires to see in our lives?  There are two factors that contribute mightily to being able to rejoice in the Lord.

HOPE IN THE PROMISES OF GOD: This Psalm speaks in the past tense about things that seem to be in the future.  That, by very definition, is hope.  The fortunes of Zion had been plundered and we can see throughout history that Israel has been destroyed and the people dispersed.  However, God has made very clear promises to His people about restoration.  Even though thoughts of restoration may have seemed only like a dream; these promises are a true and valid source of joy.  We know that no matter how bad things may get; God will set things right.  One day all the pain of this present life will pass away and we will have great reason to rejoice.  Those who scoff at the people of God and doubt the goodness and power of God will not have any choice but to admit that God has done wonderful things and that they true people of God have great reason for gladness and joy.  When we are called to face great problems in this life, we must place our hope on the promises of God’s Word and rejoice in the truth.  We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God will redeem and restore His children and that we will have no more reason for sadness for all of eternity.  That hope should bring a smile to our face and joy to our hearts right now.


OBEDIENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD: Disobedience is one of the greatest contributors to depression in our lives today.  When we disobey the Lord and neglect our responsibilities we feel guilt.  Guilt is a bad feeling that makes us sad.  When we are experiencing feelings of guilt and sadness we just don’t feel like doing anything which leads to more negligence and disobedience.  This, in turn, creates more guilt and sadness and so the cycle of depression goes until Satan accomplishes his goal of destroying our lives or making us completely miserable and ineffective.  This Psalm states that “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”  Sowing is an act of faith and obedience.  It is a farmer’s responsibility to sow.  However, there are many days when a farmer might not feel like sowing.  There are days when all he feels like doing is crying.  However, if he gives in to his feelings and decides to sit down and cry instead of planting his seeds; things will go from bad to worse.  Not only will he be sad, but pretty soon his food will run out and he will be hungry.  Certainly it would be ideal to sow with a smile on our faces, but as we already noted, we do not live in an ideal world.  The reality is that sometimes we have to sow in sadness.  That act of obedience is an all important step towards being able to rejoice in a wonderful harvest.  Obedience to God, no matter how sad we might feel, will help to dry our tears and fill our hearts with the joy of the Lord.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Isaiah 54:1-17

Hope is a wonderful blessing from God, without which we would be vulnerable to all kinds of destructive tendencies in our lives.  Today’s society is marked by depression, anger, fear, anxiety and self-righteousness, in large part, because of the sense of hopelessness that prevails in our culture.  Isaiah writes to a people who are about to be taken into captivity because of their sin.  God knows that they will feel rejected, threatened and hopeless so He reveals His future plans for the nation in order to give them hope in the midst of the coming trial.  Hope is the expectation of good based upon the promises of God.  Many times when our lives are marked by the sins mentioned above it is because we have forgotten or failed to focus upon the promises of God’s Word. THE PROMISE OF GOD: From the very first day that God revealed His plan for the nation of Israel, He promised numerous descendants.  God chose Abraham, not because he was more righteous than a...
Read more

2 Timothy 1:3-7

I thank God   whom I serve, as did my ancestors,   with a clear conscience, as I remember you   constantly in my prayers night and day.    As I remember your tears,   I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.    I am reminded of   your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and   your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.    For this reason I remind you   to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us   a spirit not of fear but   of power and love and self-control. It is easy for us to forget many important things especially in the face of difficulty or danger.  Paul is in prison and Timothy is facing difficult times in ministry so there are important reminders that Paul wants to make sure that Timothy understands.  God has given us everything we need to face the difficulties He allows i...
Read more

2 Timothy 1:8-14

Therefore   do not be ashamed of   the testimony about our Lord, nor of   me his prisoner, but   share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,   who saved us and   called us to a holy calling,   not because of our works but because of   his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus   before the ages began, and which now has   been manifested through   the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus,   who abolished death and   brought life and   immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But   I am not ashamed, for   I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until   that day   what has been entrusted to me.  Follow   the pattern of   the sound words   that you have heard from me, in   the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ...
Read more