To Dream Again

Psalm 126: 1When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,we were like those who dream.

2Then our mouth was filled with laughterand our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

4Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!

Thoughts: Perhaps it is ironically providential that on the eve of the coldest night of the month, boaters are allowed to go out again freely.  I think the Lord will force some social distancing when the governor may not.  On the other hand those who have been eating outside in the wind will finally be allowed to keep their paper menus and napkins from flying away.
     When things begin to open up, there is a cracked smile on our heart.  We have cautious hopes of being restored, and of having our fortunes being restored.  This is a dream.  We are dreaming of the time when our children will go back and play with friends without worry of passing something on to grandma.  We are dreaming about one day shaking hands.
     Our dreams have been squelched and seen as too distant.  But as things begin to open back up- we are like those who dream good dreams.

Prayer; Lord, restore us- help us to dream again. Heal us and make us whole.

6/18/14- Restore our Joy

1When the Lord restored the fortunes of^a Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.^b

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,^c Lord,

like streams in the Negev.

5Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

6Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them. (Psalm 126)

Thoughts:  Lord, restore our blessings.  The blessing that comes from listening to you first, and believing you can do more than we can ask or imagine.  Help us not to shrink back, but to follow you.  Help us to have joy again.  Restore our joy and our hope in you.  

Prayer: You alone are the lifter of our heads and restorer of our fortunes.