Psalm 126
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 it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
5May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
6Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
“… 2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; …”
When was the last time you laughed out loud? Why were you so filled with joy that you let loose with gales of hilarity? What brought tears of happiness to your eyes? When was it that you truly laughed?
For many people today, rather than tears of laughter, they pour forth tears of pain. Sorrow, frustration, and anxiety seem to predominate our society and world. Whether it’s the partisan wrangling, the economic uncertainty, the emotional rollercoaster, or the mental stress, less mouths are open with laughter than are drawn up in fear.
Thankfully, our Lord offers both respite and hope. The psalmist reminds us that the Lord has done great things for us. Often unnoticed amidst the clamor and hecticness of the world around us, God remains present and attentive. Seldom acknowledged because of the manipulative messaging of hate groups, dystopian pundits, and unrelenting news broadcasts, hope continues to abound because the Spirit of the Lord dwells in our midst.
Because of the presence and power of our Lord, even in the face of a world seemingly gone mad, our mouths are still filled with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your presence in our midst. Remind me today of the great things that You have done for me that laughter and joy may fill my heart, flow from my mouth, and touch the lives of those around me. Amen.