June 29, 2011

Psalm 126 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 6:43-45, Philippians 4:10-13, 2 Kings 23

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

Observation

This Psalm reflects upon the work that God has done to deliver God’s people from captivity in Babylon. It states the captives who were freed were filled with laughter and tongues with songs of joy. Not only were they filled with laughter and songs of joy, but they overflowed with praise that the nations proclaimed “The LORD has done great things for them.”

Application

This Psalm parallels the story for all Christians in that we were all once captives and prisoners of sin, prior to accepting Christ as our Lord and savior. Only through Christ, we were freed from captivity and we were no longer prisoners condemned to life apart from God but life with God. The people in this Psalm were freed physically but we are freed spiritually, forever, which leads me to ask, am I filled with laughter and songs of joy that overflow with praises to our God the Father and our Lord Jesus ? Many times, I get too tangled up with circumstances in life which distracts me from overflowing with joy and praise. In times of stress or when anxious about life’s circumstances, I need to step back and reflect upon what God has done for me and all those whom He has saved through Christ.

Prayer

Lord, forgive this day, as I focus too much on life’s challenges and worrying about the worldly concerns. Help me to never doubt about your faithfulness and your power, but in all things I may fall down to my knees to lift up praises to you, for you have done marvelous things in my life. Help me Lord to overflow with joy so that all that surround me each and every day can’t help but to be overwhelmed also with joy and praise. In Christ Name, Amen.

--Henry yoo