August 20th

Psalm 126

            When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.  Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.  May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.  Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Psalm 126

            This.

            This is my hope…my desire…my prayer for you.  I pray that your mouth would be filled with laughter.  I pray that your tongue would be overcome with shouts of joy.  I pray that people would look at your life and your family and be in awe at how good God has been to you.

            “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.”  For those of us who have poured out our hearts through both the frantic emergencies and the quiet moments, through the sleepless nights and the chaotic days…for those who have sat by the bedside of their sleeping child and tried to figure out how they were going to make it through yet one more day…for those parents whose hearts have been broken over and over again by this hand that has been dealt to their child…may you who have labored with tears see the rewards of your efforts.  May you see miraculous healing.  May you see God’s love and provision for your son or daughter.  May you see growth and hope and prosperity pour upon your child’s life.

            May you hear your child tell you that they love you.

            May your life be overwhelmed by the joy of the Lord.  God has seen and God has counted every tear that has escaped your eye.  He has recorded every lost hour of sleep and noted every sacrifice that you have made.  These are the seeds that you have sown in order to see the glorious harvest come to life.

            May your days be filled with laughter and joy and hope.  May your tears be ones of gratitude instead of despair.  May you find encouragement in the arms of your heavenly Father.  May He carry your family into a better tomorrow.

A moment to reflect:

Read the Psalm a few more times.  Try to listen for God’s voice as you read.  As much as you can, receive the blessing and know that this is what I am praying over you. Peace and Joy to you.