THE TURNING POINT
“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
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.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psa. 126: 1-6
This passage is both testimonial and prophetic.
It is about the deliverance of God’s people from Babylon back to Zion. This is His Word for us this year 2006-the year of divine turn-around.
i. “WHEN the Lord…”
There is a divine timing for your turn-around. There is a time appointed for your release . It is now. The case for your total emancipation from captivity is not subject to probability. It is certain. It is a matter of time and the time is now.
No matter how long you have wept you will cease to weep from now on. Sarah wept for 25 years. Joseph’s dream was hanging for a long time. Israel was in bondage for 430 years. David was denied the throne for some time. But one thing happened to them all. Their captivity was turned around. Their sorrow translated into joy. Their struggle became breakthrough and their night blossomed into day. I prophesy a turn-around for you this year in Jesus’ Name. This year is the season of your celebration.
ii. “When the LORD…”
The involvement of Jehovah, the LORD, overturns human predicaments. Until God stepped in, Zion was still in captivity, Hannah was still barren, Lazarus was still locked up in the bowels of death. But when the Lord, Adonai, the Ruler of the Universe enters in, mountains must skip like rams, everlasting doors must lift up their heads, Joseph must become a Prime Minister, Hannah must embrace her children. This year, 2006, I declare to you that Jehovah will intervene in your situation and turn it around.
iii. “WE WERE LIKE THEM THAT DREAM DREAMS…”
This is a testimony from the Psalmist and other captives. The worst was in view and God gave a turn-around. It was more than they imagined. Did the children of Israel ever imagined that the Red Sea would be a path for their deliverance? Did Mary and Martha dream that Lazarus would come alive again before the final resurrection? A divine turn-around brings an overwhelming joy beyond description. When it comes, it certainly is like a dream. It is wonderful.
Your turn-around will be more than wonderful this year. Somebody said something more than wonderful (one-der-ful) may be “2-der-ful or 3-der-ful” !! It will be like you are dreaming! Have you had a dream you wished were real before? This one will be real.
iv. “OUR MOUTH WAS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER…”
You won’t be able to hide your joy this year. You will laugh and sing throughout the year in Jesus’ Name. If you don’t know how to sing just open your mouth and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Imagine Sarah or Hannah the day their joy came. Imagine Joseph when he was not only brought out of the prison but the same day brought into palace!!
v. “THEN SAID THEY AMONG THE HEATHEN (UNBELIEVERS)…”
The news of your victory will go round. Those who have abandoned you will struggle to associate with you. Those who refuse to identify with you because of your trials will broadcast your breakthrough. No one covers the glory of the sun, none can resist the moon from shining. I declare to you this year, “Arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Even your enemies will give the testimony on your behalf, “The Lord has done great things for him/her”.
vi. “TURN AGAIN our captivity…”
What happened that necessitates this prayer? Psalmist, we thought the captivity is over? The answer is the fluidity of human nature and the incessant encroachment of the enemy into human affairs. The Psalmist realized that the enemy does not rest day or night, he walks about roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour. He left Jesus in the wilderness only for a season!! The Psalmist realizes also that victory is not gotten by the strength of human arms or the whims of human mind. He concludes that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong and that no king is saved by the multitude of a host. Ecc. 9:11; Ps.33:16. He quickly falls back on God, “turn again our captivity…” he cried. This is a prophetic prayer in the same vein as Jesus taught the Church to pray a proactive prayer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…" Matt. 6: 13.
Beloved, one arm-flung type of prayer or one moment trust will not do. We must trust the Lord for the rest of our lives. He is the certainty of our future. As we do the eternal Stability of Israel will be our Guide, not only for now but throughout our lives.
vii. “WHEN THE LORD…”
The only constant in this equation of turn-around however is God.
This passage is sandwiched between Psalms 125 and 127. Each opens with God’s involvement. 125:1 –“They that trust in THE LORD…” ; 126: 1- When the LORD…”; 127:1- “Except the LORD…” ;
Beloved, no future is certain without God. He is the only Guarantee of your making it this year. Events that cripple destinies and shatter the brightest of vision are handy in every year. Your constancy and continuity can only be secured in God and with Him. Money, fame, worldly pursuits cannot help you this year. Only as you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ the Lord can you experience the testimony that we have received today.
Would you humbly ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior now and let Him turn your captivity around?
Pray this prayer with me, "Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as my Lord and my Savior today. Come and live in me and walk with me throughout the journey of life. Keep me near you day by day and stabilize my steps in You. I thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
