Read Psalm 126:1-6 1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
The pilgrims recall a time of great joy in the nation’s history. A time of dream-like happiness. A time when the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion. Was this post-exile? The move from captivity to freedom? Or some other time of national fortune? Whatever the occasion, the people of God are asking for it to happen again. Another restoration. Another return with joy. Another reaping of the sheaves of gladness.
The future restoration the psalm envisions is both immediate and miraculous – like streams in the Negeb (desert), yet slow and painstaking – sowing in tears.
As Christians, we can see our own walk with Christ in these two images. Is not the life of Christ in us a miraculous transformation from a desert soul to a stream of living water flowing in us by the Spirit of Christ? And yet, is not our growth in Christ an arduous sowing and reaping? Sowing often in tears what will one day be reaped in joy. Going out weeping, but returning with shouts of joy.
To live is Christ has turned your desert heart into the fertile soil of Christ’s own affections and faithfulness. At the same time, to live is Christ is a life of struggle in that soil, but with a promise of a harvest that is guaranteed because Jesus himself is the farmer, and he will always bring in his sheaves.
You: Are you in a season of sowing or reaping?
You in Christ: Can you see the paradox of an immediate change in your life by Christ, and the slow, painful journey of life in Christ?
Christ in you: How does knowing that we will reap with joy eternally allow you to struggle for Jesus today?
Prayer. Father, turn my desert soul into a garden of your grace. Amen.
To Live is Christ 