When the Lord restored the fortunes of^[a] Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.^[b]
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.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

⁴ Restore our fortunes,^[c] Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

 

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, they were like those who dreamed and the mouths were filled with laughter’s and songs of joy. Other nations said the Lord has done great things for them and they were filled with joy. This first strophe (v1-4) speaks so clearly of the dream being fulfilled. I have to say that people who experienced this are the ones who have been longing for the Lord to answer their prayers and putting their trust in Him fully despite setbacks. It reminds me of the shameless audacity of the man knocking at the door of his neighbor for bread at midnight.

Sometimes we wonder if the Lord’s going to answer our prayers after such a long time and even years of waiting, like Psalmist prayed “For how long Lord? But this first strophe gives me a clear sense of the Lord’s answering their prayers in a big way. In fact so big that they felt like they dreamed, and filled with laughter’s and joy. I’m convinced that this sense of laughter and joy and dreaming would not come about without a sense of deep longing, waiting, crying out to the Lord for a long time. That’s why when He’s actually finally answered prayers, he felt like he dreamed and was so happy and feel with joy and laughter’s. It is not saying that he’s hoping for the Lord to answer his prayer but the Lord has already answered his prayer. And this answer to prayer is not a small thing because v3 says, “this is great things the Lord has done and they’re filled with joy”. I believe all of us have dreams and big dreams for God to do for our ministry, our families and we must not give up praying and asking until he answers our prayers. This is not about whether the Lord will answer our prayers, but rather when the Lord is going to answer our prayers. I just want to let this thought sinks into my spirit so that it truly becomes part of me and I will continue to press on prayer.

 

Life is not always rosy, and indeed there will be a period of seeming dryness, drought and silence from the Lord even though technically I know that the Lord is working behind the scene but I’m just a broken human wanting to serve him and glorify him. And what I love about this On v4-6, Psalmist cried out to the Lord to restore their fortunes. It is clear that the Lord has restored their fortunes but not all of it obviously. There are some parts of it is not restored and the beautiful thing it really shows how important it is to work hard at it to persevere and to press on. V5 says those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. I’m reminding myself that I should not be discouraged just because I have not seen the restoration of my fortunes in some ways and if I have not sown with tears and gone out weeping carrying the seed to sow, I will not be able to return with songs of joy and carry sheaves with me.

Therefore v5- 6 is a tremendous encouragement to affirm me that the Lord sees our tears, He wants us to really pour grace into our heart, and trust Him. I’m reminded that the Lord Jesus himself cried out with loud cries with tears (Heb 5:7) to God the Father often and he learned obedience through suffering so that he can become the source of salvation to all peoples. I’m challenged that it has not been easy for the Lord Jesus himself and if I were to look for an easy way for my fortunes restoration, I’ve probably made a mistake and I should repent and put my faith all over again in the Lord our God Jesus Christ . I want tostand on the promise of God that those who sow with teas will reap with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. V5-6 shows us the promises of God for us if we go out to sow with tears and weeping, we shall come home and reap with shouts of joy and bringing sheaves with us. I’m particularly encouraged and strengthened to see that God will restore us in due time in his time.