Turning around, again.
"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." Psalm 126 (KJV)
The words of this verse are beautifully written and intertwined with restoring hope that sinks deep into the soul of anyone reading it. It’s a simple description of a time when things turned around, again, for a group of people. The essence of this verse can be seen in the very first few words you read, “When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion again, we were like them that dream.” The third word in the verse clearly outlines Who turns things around, God. When God decided it was time, he turned the stories of their lives around. In a moment, they went from being captive to being free.
As you read on, the fifth word stands out. The term "again" means this has happened before. Interesting, God turned their captivity around as he had done before. So, it isn’t a fluke or a one-time deal, God did it before, and he can do it again. What a comfort for us who believe in the turning power of God.
Can you think about a time in your life when you felt trapped? Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by situations, and you thought it would destroy you? Can you remember how you came through that? Those moments passed, and those feelings of despair went away. If you can think of at least one time in your life when you were down, and God stepped in and helped you back on your feet, then he can and will help you through whatever you may be facing now.
I have kept a memory frame on my bedroom wall for years now. It’s a small rectangular board with sticky notes framed. On each sticky note, I wrote a short phrase that described a memorable time – a moment when God showed up and helped me turn impossible situations around. I keep this frame to remind me how powerful God is and how faithful he is to his word. And every time I find myself in a bind beyond what I can handle, I look up at the sticky notes and remind myself 'if God did it before, he can do it again'. Then I ask for his help to turn things around again.
What’s your story? What are those incredible feats that God has accomplished in your life – debt paid, survived the crash, found hope? Those should go up on your wall and deep in your heart. Cherish those stories, tell them to your kids, remember them always because God can turn around any situation.
Remember all he has done for you and use
that as a reference point to believe God to turn things around for you. And when the Lord turns things around again, it'll be like a dream.
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