Psalm 126:1-3: "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."
How can I write about joy and not include this passage of scripture? Well, I guess I already answered that question. I can't.
The Lord is the Restorer - the Builder. He was a carpenter in His 'younger' years. He liked to fiddle with this and that with His hands. He liked to use His hands to created, build, to restore. I'll let you in on a little secret.... He still does :)
Let's go back to the first line. "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion..." Our God is the One and Only Living God. What He did way back in the early years when the earth was still a baby, He still does now. Sure, it may look different, but He's the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
He restores lives to what He intended originally for us. He heals body, mind, emotions. He is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer (Exodus 15:26). He places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6) -- we no longer are orphans - we are part of the Body of Christ. We have a really BIG family! Whatever we NEED, He is there to supply, it just may not be right away...
When I saw the word 'Zion' - which means Israel, Jerusalem, Land of the Jewish peoples... the Lord reminded me of another portion of scripture - Psalm 87:2-7 "He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”Indeed, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
Those who are not of Jewish descent may be thinking - well, that's not for me. But wait.... there's more.... it's in Romans 11 - specifically verses 11-24. Those not of Jewish descent have really good news... these verses say basically say that everyone who believes and accepts Jesus and follows His commandments is grafted in to that root system. That should bring joy alone! But be aware that branches were broken off because of unbelief of the Jewish people of the time - so humbling hold that within. It should be a cause of holy reverence to a God who loves the world.
When I come to stand before the Lord, I want to hear the words 'This one was born in Zion.' It gives me goosebumps just thinking about hearing Him say that.
Father restores us to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are set free from bondage to whatever because He loves us.
When that occurs, how can we not be filled with joy. How can we not proclaim, "THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US"? And be so full of joy that if we don't do something, we feel like we'll just explode! Come on, I believe everyone can think of at least one thing God has done that caused you joy in the past. That joy is still there. Access it. Ask the Lord to brush off the dirt and dust and let Holy Spirit revive it - revive you.
This One Was Born in Zion - Wayne Watson (one of my favorites from when I graduated high school - oops did I just date myself?)
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