Psalm 128: Could It Be That Much Better?

Reading the story of the return by the Israeli captives in Psalm 126 provides insight into the emotional undercurrent of God's story for those of us who suffer and struggle and persevere:

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. - Psalm 126:1-2

There is a sense of unreality when there is a reprieve from the oppresiveness of the day-to-day. Laughter bubbles up from deep within; dancing erupts; singing comes unbidden from the deep wells of our soul.

Some of this relief comes from knowing that our trust in God was well-placed. Choices we made are reconsidered at length, every day a reminder of where we went off the path. All supports have been removed. We are forced to either trust God or else capitulate to helplessness and despair.  And this decision happens in the spotlight:

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 are filled with joy. - Psalm 126:2b-3

The final consolation for those returning from a period of sorrow was it was worth it all.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. - Psalm 126:5-6

Each farmer must take out the paltry offering of seed and place it within the ground and trust that there will be a harvest. For those who follow Jesus, each tear is a seed sown against the promise of a future harvest of joy. There is hope based on the promise of God. Do I trust?

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  - 2 Corinthians 4:17