From Weeping To Rejoicing

Psa 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Psa 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psa 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

There is Fifteen Psalms, called songs of degrees, or, ascents. They are indeed Psalms of “the goings-up” for we rise higher and higher as we read through them. Prophetically they give us again the steps from trial and suffering to the glorious conclusion.

"Songs of Degrees," "Songs of Ascents," or "Songs of Steps."

suggest that they are psalms composed for the Jews to chant on their ascent from Babylon to Jerusalem at the return from the Captivity

THE PSALM OF THE SOWING SAINT

Beginning with Psalm 120 and continuing to Psalm 134, these Psalms are called “Songs of Degrees.” They were sung by the pilgrims who were traveling to Jerusalem to keep the various feasts days on the religious calendar of Israel. There were stations along the way where the pilgrims could stop for rest and refreshment. While they were there, they would sing one of these Psalms in worship to the Lord. Psalm 126 is the seventh of these fifteen “Songs of Degrees.” It was a special Psalm to the children of Israel because it reminded them of the Lord’s past works in the life of their nation and of His promise to carry on that work into the future.

It is also a special Psalm to those who are in the church of Jesus Christ. It speaks to us of what the Lord has done for us in saving us and it also reminds us that God has a plan to bless us and use us for His glory into the future.

I. v. 1-3 THERE IS A WORD OF PRAISE

A. v. 1a They Speak Of Their Deliverance – As the Israelites began this hymn of praise, they did so by remembering the great grace of God. They remembered how they had been oppressed and held captive by their enemies, and how God in His great power had delivered them. They praise Him for the day He set them free and brought them back to their homeland.

(Note: It should be our constant practice to remember where we were when the Lord found us, Eph. 2:1-3; and how He delivered us from our lost and hell bound condition by His matchless grace, Eph. 2:8-9. He deserves our praise for setting us free, changing our lives and altering our destinies.)

B. v. 1b-3a They Speak Of Their Delight – They couldn’t hardly believe what had happened to them. They were amazed at the grace, love and power of their God. They felt like people who were living in a dream. It was too good to be true! But, when it finally dawned on them that what they were experiencing was real, they were filled with joy and they lifted their hearts and their voices in praise to the Lord. Even some of the sinners around them recognized the work of God in their lives and gave God the glory. These saints simply agree with the assessment of the heathen, “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” So, they are filled with praise because the Lord has worked in their lives in power for His glory. And, they simply cannot hold back their praises, but they exalt the Lord for His grace, His goodness and His blessing in their lives.

(Note: What a lesson for the children of God! We have been delivered from death and Hell by the grace of God. Our names have been written down in glory. We are children of the living God! We have a reason to rejoice. Oh that our hearts were filled with His praise and that we would be vocal and quick to proclaim His goodness, His grace and His salvation. The Bible teaches us praise honors the Lord and we should be involved in praising Him, Psa. 47:1; Psa. 113:1-3; Psa. 135:1-3; Heb. 13:15.)

C. v. 3b They Speak Of Their Decision – As these people think about all they have received from the Lord, they make a decision and say, “Whereof we are glad.” They make a conscious decision to be happy in the Lord Who redeemed them!

(Note: There is much to be distressed about in the world today. Crime, war, politics, disease, death, sin, evil, etc. all combine to cause our hearts to despair. However, if we can learn to keep our hearts focused on the Lord and all that He has done for us, it will go a long way toward giving us joy even in the midst of trials. After all, the Lord has promised His children joy, 1 Pet. 1:8; Gal. 5:22. The bottom line is this: if you allow your happiness to depend on the circumstances around you, there is a good chance you will be sad and defeated. If, however, you make God and His gracious gifts the focus of your joy, then you can rejoice regardless of what is happening around you. Let us make the same decision that Habakkuk made in Habakkuk 3:18, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”)