God Speaks
126 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
127 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
128 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
Source: New Living Translation: BibleGateway.com
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Psalms 126-128:
1. What does this psalm tell me about God?
2. What does this psalm tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Psalm 126
1. God is the One who ultimately brought the Israelites back to Jerusalem from exile.
2. People are to give the LORD credit (praise and thanks) for all the wonderful things He has done for them.
Psalm 127
1. God is the One who ultimately builds up households, guards cities against intruders, and provides food for people.
2. People are to look at having children as a gift from the LORD.
Psalm 128
1. God is to be feared (held in highest honor and esteem) above anything or anyone else.
2. People are meant to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Psalms 126-128?
Dear gracious and merciful LORD God, You are the One who brought the exiles back to Jerusalem. Please bring back those who have wandered away from You and Your people. Like those mentioned in this psalm, we will laugh and sing for joy. Even those around us will be amazed and give the credit to You. Restore us, O LORD, like streams renew the desert. Although the start of a particular situation may be full of pain and sorrow, if we turn it over to You, the end will be joyous and fruitful. LORD God, I do trust You to protect my property and my city and to sustain me as I work in cooperation with You. I particularly lean on You in raising my children. May they never be put to shame as they face their accusers. Help me to fear You and follow Your ways as I relate to my spouse and our children. May I and those I love (Your word says to love family, neighbors, strangers, and enemies.) live to enjoy the fruit of our labor, our grandchildren, and the peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel. All for Your glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Psalms 126-128?
- I will pray for at least one person I know, who has wandered away, to be brought back to God.
- I will praise and thank the LORD in the presence of many people for an unexpected blessing.
- I will check my motives to see if I may be anxiously working instead of confidently resting in the LORD.
- I will discuss with my spouse how our home could be more joyful and prosperous by following the LORD.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.