Reading: Psalm 126

Verse 4: “Restore our fortunes, O Lord.”

We close this week by turning to Psalm 126 once again. It is a reminder of God’s love and care for those who love God. It is a story of God’s faithfulness.

There are times in our lives when we feel like the captives in the Psalm. Life has brought tragedy or some other difficulty upon us and we feel overwhelmed and under supported. When I have lost a loved one, when I have been forced into an unwanted change, when I have been at odds with others in an organization – these are times when I felt like I needed to cry out, “Restore my fortunes, O Lord”! I am sure you have felt like shouting this many times in your life too.

As I look back on each of these journeys through the valley I can see how God was faithful to me. There are instances when God sent someone to offer healing or restoring words. There are memories of unexpected kindness and grace, of God’s presence bringing me peace and assurance. Looking back you too can recall how God was with you in the valley.

As we slowly emerged from the valley, we too came to a place where our tears became joy and where our weeping became songs. Our God is faithful and loving, kind and good. As we worship the Lord our God today, may we offer our praise to the Lord of life. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your compassion and your presence in my life. You are ever faithful to me, O God. May my joyful response bring you all the glory. Amen.