Memories and hope, stories of restoration, strength to carry on
By Dean Collins
In March of this year, American citizens and small and large businesses had moments of heightened anxiety as Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. As is the case with most things these days, social media added to the fears of a widespread banking collapse. It took concentrated effort from the government, economists, financial services executives, and public relations consultants to help calm the storm and begin to restore confidence in our banking system.
The psalmist spoke of restoration in Psalm 126, another in our series from the psalms of ascent. “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,” he wrote, “we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.” The issue bigger than money in the psalmist’s mind was God’s restoration of the well-being of his chosen people, especially their spiritual health.
Great things!
In the grand drama of Scripture, we see many seasons of struggle, captivity, bondage, war, and drought. Some of the pain and suffering was because of enemy attacks, and often the challenges were brought about by Israel’s failure to repent of their idolatry and get back to following God’s plans over creating their own.
The look back to moments of victory and restoration brought laughter and shouts of joy. We can imagine moments with palpable energy and excitement because of God’s restoration. Taking possession of the Promised Land, victories over the Philistine armies, seasons of feasting after droughts had ended, and many more would have created pleasant and joyful memories of times God had restored what was broken. The psalmist boldly declared: “The Lord has done great things for us!”
On our journey of faith, we can help ourselves and the next generation by recalling and retelling the times God has intervened in our seasons of struggle and desperation. We can encourage ourselves and those close to us by recounting how God brought restoration in our lives, our family, and our community. And as happens in every family reunion, the stories of old bring laughter and joy. But God’s restoration is not simply for the purpose of nostalgia. Retelling the stories of what God has done increases our faith and encourages perseverance. And if we don’t tell our stories of God’s restoration, those who follow may wobble in their understanding of God.
New day!
This psalm also anticipates a new day that will come when God does it all again. “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev!” As the psalmist continues, he acknowledges that sowing seed can be hard work. This is true in farming and true when we do the work of discipleship. It takes time, effort, and money invested in people, ministry, and helping the poor. But with the harvest come shouts of joy and new stories of God’s victory shared far and wide.
Lord, we thank you for the many times you have brought restoration into our lives, our families, our businesses, our churches, and our community. We are filled with joy as we remember the great work you have done for us. We boldly ask that you do it again! Restore our fortunes by your great hand of love and kindness. We commit to the work of sowing seeds of your great love and salvation far and wide, and we wait with great expectation for the time you restore all things again. We long for the arrival of our King Jesus when he comes to restore all things for eternity! Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 126 ESV
Photo by Alena Darmel at pexels.com
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