Lent enables us to "step out" from behind all the "masks" we wear in daily life, and call us to be real...to be honest...before Him.....
This week I think Lent speaks to us in an entirely different manner than in the previous weeks. Lent seems to be unfolding a "new chapter" within the 40 day observance, giving us time to renew our hopes, believe in our dreams, and rekindle our friendship with Christ Jesus.
Psalm 126 is one of those Lenten Scriptures that speak of hope...that addresses dreams, and gives us assurance there is a harvest for those who so their seeds in faith...when it seemed there was no way any good would come from the "seeds that were planted".
Some students of the Sacred Scriptures think Psalm 126 is a story related to the Jewish nation returning to their homeland from Babylon. For 70 years, the Jewish nation had been in captivity to the Babylonians...never wanting to be in Babylon...and longing for all of those 70 years to return to their home.
What had happened in that period of history is the Persian Empire had defeated the Babylonian Empire, and Cyrus, King of Persia had granted the Jewish nation the right to return to their homeland.
Other biblical historians think Psalm 126 is about Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who in 700 B.C. had attacked Jerusalem, the capital of Judea. As it turned out, Sennacherib was unsuccessful in capturing Jerusalem, and King Sennacherib returned to Assyria. As a result, this chapter in Psalm was written in honor of God saving Jerusalem.
Regardless of which reason Psalm 126 was written, this fact is clear: God "paints a lovely picture" in this chapter on how God is faithful to us...and inspires us to..."go after those dreams within us".
Note: Psalm 126 is considered a "Song of Ascents", or a "Song of Climbing". It is a Psalm that says there are times in our lives when "Dreams really do come true".
As for myself, I have noticed some who appear to me as one(s) who have "just given up" on life.
I can see it in their eyes, particularly those of us who are older, and have faced many and various "battles in life". The head is down when they walk, looking into their eyes you see alot of sadness, the words they speak are often negative in nature or rooted in fear, and the smiles on their faces have been erased with "hard lines of despair having found a home in the "Hearts of the Hurting".
Then, like a crisp cold drink of water,
Psalm 126 speaks to our hearts, barren and dry.
" It seemed like a dream...something that could only come true "in the movies"...not a real and present reality.
Yet, our very mouths are filled with laughter...and we find ourselves singing...singing about the joys of knowing Him...and the blessings He provides to us!
Other people...other nations...have begun to say:"Look! Look what the God they believe in...has done for them. He must be wonderful, and a lovely God to believe in, for He has certainly done miraculous things for them...and look how happy they are!
And we could not agree more...He is truly an amazing God...and does amazing things for the people He loves!
For though they planted in a time of despair...now may they bring home "armloads of harvest"...laughing and singing...seeing their very dreams...fulfilled."
For Lent also reminds us...of the amazing things He has done for us!
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