When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
Psalm 126
we were like those who dreamed.
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.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
I love how the Psalmist celebrates restoration … as if in a dream, with laughter and joy. This year, 2020, has had all sorts of challenges. One might apply these verses to our near future – asking God to restore our fortunes. Restore normalcy (whatever that might be).
But I prefer to take a longer view as I read these verses. Lord, finish the work you have begun in us. Restore your people, your creation. May your Kingdom come in its completeness, fullness, all glorious and bright! And then our JOY will be complete!
Along the banks of the river we run
~Andy Park
We dance with laughter giving praise to the Son
During Advent we look back to remember and rejoice in the birth of the babe. We count our blessings, and remember how good our Great God is to us. Advent is also a time to look forward to Christ’s return, his second coming … a time when our joy will be complete!
I’m reminded that John, the beloved disciple, mentions “complete joy” in his gospel and in his short letters.
- I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
~ John 15:11 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. ~John 16:24
- We write this to make our joy complete. ~1 John 1:4
Our joy is made complete in Christ!
IN Paradise while moonbeams play’d,
Jehovah found, in slumber deep,
Adam fast sunk; He gently laid
Eve near him,–she, too, fell asleep.
There lay they now, on earth’s fair shrine,
God’s two most beauteous thoughts divine.–
When this He saw, He cried:–‘Tis Good!!!
And scarce could move from where He stood.No wonder, that our joy’s complete
~Goethe
While eye and eye responsive meet,
When this blest thought of rapture moves us–
That we’re with Him who truly loves us,
And if He cries:–Good, let it be!
‘Tis so for both, it seems to me.
Thou’rt clasp’d within these arms of mine,
Dearest of all God’s thoughts divine!
Our joy runs deep … like an underground river … living water.
Redeemed, restored, forgiven,
Through Jesus’ precious blood,
Heirs of His home in heaven,
Oh, praise our pardoning God!
Praise Him in tuneful measures
Who gave His Son to die;
Praise Him Whose sevenfold treasures
Enrich and sanctify.Once on the dreary mountain
We wandered far and wide,
Far from the cleansing fountain,
Far from the piercèd side;
But Jesus sought and found us
And washed our guilt away;
With cords of love He bound us
To be His own for aye.Dear Master, Thine the glory
Of each recovered soul,
Ah! who can tell the story
Of love that made us whole?
Not ours, not ours, the merit;
Be Thine alone the praise
And ours a thankful spirit
To serve Thee all our days.Now keep us, holy Savior,
H. W. Baker, Public Domain
In Thy true love and fear
And grant us of Thy favor
The grace to persevere
Till, in Thy new creation,
Earth’s time-long travail o’er,
We find our full salvation
And praise Thee evermore.
