1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
REFLECTION:
This is a song of celebration by the exiles who returned to Zion. What emotions do you see expressed throughout this psalm? Have you ever experienced such emotions?
Has God ever done something so great that you had to pinch yourself to see if you were dreaming?
The Israelites give God the credit for the “great things” that have happened. How do you do with giving God the credit?
When do you feel inhibited about freely expressing your joy?
What do you need to praise God for? Share your joy with him and others.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore. 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong. 4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts! 5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
REFLECTION:
The simile “like Mount Zion” offers a powerful image. Those who trust God enter into a towering security where evil neither has sway nor corrupts, where God’s goodness and peace prevail.
Christians will also face many temptations and challenges as we live out our lives with God in this world. We should have such confidence and stability knowing that “the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forevermore.” (v2)
What worldly influences tempt you at home, at work, or in society? How do you stay “unmoved”? (v1)
When is it hardest for you to trust the Lord? Why?
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
let Israel now say— 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
REFLECTION:
David voiced praise to God for not allowing the pagan nations that surrounded Israel to defeat and assimilate God’s people. It’s only because God was on Israel’s side that they had survived. So, all Israel praised the maker of heaven and earth, who has proven to be His people’s help.
No one can fight evil alone. It is God who “was on our side” fighting for us. God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrew 13:5) Jesus told His disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)
What external or internal enemy is God saving you from? Come before His mercy throne, for we know where we can have sure help.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
