Between Memory and Hope: Joy

​For our faith ancestors, Psalm 126 was traditionally known as a “Psalm of Ascent,”  which meant that it was sung by travelers as they made their way to the Temple.  Of particular interest is the understanding that this is not a Psalm of David, but one that was probably written during the return to Jerusalem around the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.  However, one caution would be to hinder the usefulness of the Psalm by tying it too tightly to its historical circumstances.  While historical context is enlightening, God’s people are always in need of salvation and the Lord’s strength to restore us from our chaos and terrible choices.  


126:1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
   then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!  
5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

A Note about the Streams of Negeb (or Negev in the NIV) - These streams are well-known for being dry and being dry often.  However, these stream beds can suddenly be rushing floods when the seasonal rains arrive.  So, we can see the imagery here of a lack of hope suddenly turning into the arrival of life-giving deliverance.  

The point of this Psalm is that we as God’s people live by both memory and hope.  During this Christmas time, we remember the story of Jesus’ birth and what his coming means for us.  We reflect on the cross and the resurrection as we take the Lord’s Supper.  We hear the teachings of Jesus proclaimed and lived out as we interpret the Scriptures.  We try to become like him as we live in the community of the church.  And yet, through the tears, sorrow, and hard times—we hope.  We hope that Christ is coming again, and our memory of what Jesus has done compels our belief in what He will do!  Like the memory of Jesus burst on the scene unexpectedly and without warning, so we prepare ourselves for the hope of Jesus’ coming that will complete all things.  Within these boundaries, we are a glad and joyful people!  

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