What kept them Going?

Read Psalm 126.

The words of the psalm appear to indicate that it was written after the nation returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity.  Many never lived to see the return.  For those who did, it seemed like a dream.  It was hard to believe.  Applying this to the Songs of Ascents, such a song would have encouraged the travelers to keep going along their journey.

1. Remembering the Joy. (vv.1-3)

Nothing encourages the weary heart like counting one's blessings.  Looking back at the goodness of God and all His blessings is a joyous exercise.  The Apostle Paul admonished believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).  Perhaps, Paul felt the need to repeat himself because intentionally rejoicing is so often neglected.  Proverbs 17:22 states that "a joyful heart is good medicine;" it lifts the spirits of the one rejoicing and ministers to those around them.

2. Reaping with Joy. (vv.4-6)

The psalmist did not overlook when circumstances are not joyful.  Many days in life are filled with pain and sorrow.  We weep, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Remembering the past kindnesses of God renews and refreshes us for the future.  Our God is in the restoration business.  He can take a dry river bed and turn it into a vibrant stream.  He can take the land worked by a tireless and exhausted farmer and produce bountiful crops.  He can take a weary and broken heart and fill it with His inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8)!