(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 126:1-6)

As the nations shout, “The Lord has done great things for them,” it is a testimony that the Lord’s work is not only internal, of the heart, but can be seen, experienced, and testified about. As the Israelites shout, “The Lord has done great things for us,” it reveals that those who are faithful, steadfast, and do not give up when times are rough, will receive mercy, grace, and blessing from the Lord, in His time.

When Israel was able to return from captivity in Babylon, returning to the home of their ancestors, to the Promised Land, the place where they were taught that the Lord’s Name was, it was like a dream, because they never would have imagined that the day for revival and restoration had come.

This faithful and steadfast spirit is symbolized in today’s Psalm by someone carrying their bag of seed, sowing despite sorrow, hopelessness, and despair.

6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Yes, the one that sows is weeping, but despite life circumstances and the heavy weight that is the cause of the weeping, they keep on moving to and fro. Despite the weeping, there is no giving up, no running away, but they continue carrying their bag of seed, implying that the sowing continues to be done despite their desperation.

The one that goes to and fro, even in times of weeping, carrying their bag of seed, continuing to sow the seeds, will see a harvest from the Lord, because they are faithful and steadfast. For the shout of joy will come because of the grace and mercy of the Lord poured upon them. This reminds us that even in times of weeping, sheaves will be brought back and there will be a harvest from the Lord.

The Lord has done great things and He will do them in our lives as well. We are reminded to be steadfast, to remain faithful, to not give up hope in him. The Lord has done great things and He calls us to keep moving forward, keep planting seeds, even in the midst of weeping, to continue to walk with Him, and to wait for the harvest that He will bring in His time.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 126