Friday, April 4
Read: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:8-15; Philippians 2:25-3:1
When reading Psalm 126, the theme of this song is hard to miss: Joy. However, there is an underlying theme that continues to build as you progress from one sentence to the next: Hope. Psalm 126 is all about our hope in God. It is about how our hope in God will always restore our joy in Him and in life. It is a song of hope, a testimony of God’s faithfulness in restoring His people. This Psalm recalls a time when God brought His people back from exile, describing it as something that was like a dream. I can think of many moments in my life when God answered a prayer so powerfully that it felt surreal. I am sure you have experienced that overwhelming joy as well. Perhaps it was a healing, a restored relationship, or an unexpected blessing? The joy you felt then is unlike any other joy you will feel.
In our lives, we often experience seasons of hardship – times of spiritual drought, emotional pain, or uncertainty. Yet, Psalm 126 reminds us that when we need restoration, God is standing by ready to provide it to us. He is faithful to bring joy after sorrow, healing after brokenness, and abundance after lack. There is always hope when God is our restorer.
The second half of the Psalm touches on hope in a different manner: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” In short: hard work pays off! God has promised us that our suffering is not in vain. The work we do, even in difficulty, will yield a harvest. If you are in a season of struggle, keep planting seeds of faith. Keep praying, trusting, and walking in obedience. God is at work, even when you don’t see it.
Farmers plant their crops with faith, believing the harvest will come. In the same way, our prayers, perseverance, and trust in God will bring forth a season of joy in His perfect timing. All we have to do is place our hope in Him.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in restoring what is broken. Help me to trust You in seasons of waiting, knowing that You bring joy after sorrow. Strengthen my heart to sow in faith, even when I do not see immediate results. If we place our hope in You, You will bring us joy when we need it most. I believe that joy is coming, and I praise You even now for the great things You will do.
Mr. Drew Harrell ’11 is Director of Legislative Affairs for Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, serves as President of the Huntingdon College Alumni Board, and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama.
