Returned/Redeemed

1When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
2Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
5Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126

As I read this psalm ( one of my favorites) I had this revelation of the successive verses: I was a captive... So were you, and some of us still are. We hold our arms right out, and the shackles and chains are slipped onto us, while we lean over willingly to have the stock slipped around our necks! Ah, but Jesus...he is the Great Liberator! Even at the darkest moment, He is always right there. The key to our redemption lies in the paradigm shift from surrendering to the flesh and the evil wrought by the enemy, to total surrender to the true Master, seeking His face, with the ongoing help on the Spirit, and bathing in the Word.
The Lord has done great things for us! Let us not forget for a second, who He is, that His desires are for us, to restore, bring joy (The Joy of the Lord is our strength, and actually helps sustains us, bringing ongoing health and vigor). Why did the Lord give us tears as a physiologic function? I believe tears (rain) are part of the process of washing away impurities, physical, emotional, and spiritual, what is left , and helps impart and plant that which is will become fruitful. Sheaves are the harvest...the bounty God pours out on us, in every realm, "after the rain". He is so good to us, we are children of the King! We have all hit the lottery, we are the recipients are exceedingly rich treasures, but we often forget. We have the promises of a heavenly Father/Bridegroom who does not change or lie!
Praise the Lord!