Psalm_126
Scripture
Psalm 126:1-4, 6 NIV
“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, 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 go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
Observation-What does it say?
“The Psalmist sang of a time when God set His people free from their captivity, and they were restored to Jerusalem (aka Zion).” -(Source: enduringword.com)
Understanding-What does it mean?
We’ve been set free from captivity because of Jesus Christ!
When this passage talks about restoring fortunes in verses 1 and 4, it is not talking about material fortunes. It is talking about bringing back the captives and being set free from bondage/slavery.
There are some school of thought that correlate blessing with material wealth. However, how would we explain the beatitudes in Matthew 5? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus, for great is our reward in heaven.
Psalm 126:1-4, 6 NIV
“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, 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 go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
Observation-What does it say?
“The Psalmist sang of a time when God set His people free from their captivity, and they were restored to Jerusalem (aka Zion).” -(Source: enduringword.com)
Understanding-What does it mean?
We’ve been set free from captivity because of Jesus Christ!
When this passage talks about restoring fortunes in verses 1 and 4, it is not talking about material fortunes. It is talking about bringing back the captives and being set free from bondage/slavery.
There are some school of thought that correlate blessing with material wealth. However, how would we explain the beatitudes in Matthew 5? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus, for great is our reward in heaven.
A blessed situation is whatever leads us to run into the arms of our Savior, whether good or bad. Some of my most blessed situations have been the darkest times of my life, because it developed roots in my relationship with Jesus that not even the toughest storms can touch.
Life Application
Pursue TRUE blessing through Jesus Christ and share that blessing with others.
Today, my husband and I paid off the last of our debt this morning, so besides a home mortgage which we recently refinanced down to 15 years, we are debt free! Being debt free allows us to be even more generous with our giving and I’m definitely less stressed when managing our finances.
Even though it is a commendable goal to be debt free and experience financial freedom, being free from captivity to our sin is the greatest gift we have received. God wants to bring back captives from their sin, not so that He can bless us with more material possessions or fortunes. True joy does not come from worldly wealth. True joy is a result of a personal and deepened relationship with Jesus.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:15-17 NIV
May we pursue what truly matters and share the “wealth” He has given us with others so that they would be wealthy in the Lord as well.
-Michelle Gaddi
Life Application
Pursue TRUE blessing through Jesus Christ and share that blessing with others.
Today, my husband and I paid off the last of our debt this morning, so besides a home mortgage which we recently refinanced down to 15 years, we are debt free! Being debt free allows us to be even more generous with our giving and I’m definitely less stressed when managing our finances.
Even though it is a commendable goal to be debt free and experience financial freedom, being free from captivity to our sin is the greatest gift we have received. God wants to bring back captives from their sin, not so that He can bless us with more material possessions or fortunes. True joy does not come from worldly wealth. True joy is a result of a personal and deepened relationship with Jesus.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:15-17 NIV
May we pursue what truly matters and share the “wealth” He has given us with others so that they would be wealthy in the Lord as well.
-Michelle Gaddi