Psalms of the Assents: The Joy of Restoration

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 126:1

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,^[a]
we were like those who dream.

(CSB)

While the context of the writing of Psalm 126 is uncertain, based upon the content many believe its writing occurred after the return from Babylonian captivity in the time of Ezra.  Israel’s history of calling out to God, rebellion against God, suffering the consequences of their rebellion, and experiencing restoration through repentance and turning to God is a picture everyone’s life.  However, not everyone takes the final step of turning to God and experiencing the joy of restoration. 

For the nation of Israel, the source of joy was not what brought about their restoration but rather their joy was a result of experiencing restoration.  This goes against some modern teachings like “fake it till you feel it” (1) or “Fake it till you make it.”  (2)  These strategies may provide temporary joy or happiness, but are like a drug that wears off, bringing us back to reality.  Lasting joy involves one going through the process of the three R’s

1)      Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) – Repentance is the key to the gateway to salvation.  However, Godly wisdom must be more than just words and accompanied with action.  God was not moved by Israel’s words of repentance but when their words were accompanied with the action of ridding themselves of foreign gods, God’s heart was moved (Judges 10:10-16).  Unfortunately, the message of sin and repentance is missing in many modern churches.  (3)  Since repentance is the key to the gateway to salvation, salvation without repentance is one trying to achieve salvation without having the key to open the door.  Jesus is the way to salvation through his death burial and resurrection.  The key opening the door is repentance. 

2)      Returning to God – If one does not know where they are going in their life, they are guaranteed to reach their destination.  Repentance is a 180-degree change in direction but if the change in direction is not towards God, it is exchanging a purposeless life of sin for a purposeless life of trying to live a good life without the power of God.  Repentance must be followed with turning to God, the source of our salvation and the power to live for God (Romans 8:11). 

3)      Restoration (1 Peter 5:10) – After repenting and returning to Christ, the restoration process begins.  As 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us, this process establishes, strengthens, and supports us but only after some suffering.  James 1:2 teaches us to consider it joy when we experience trials in life.  This goes against the desire of our flesh to experience a carefree and trouble-free life.  However, James 1:3-4 goes on to teach that these temporary trials serve to build endurance and character.  Peter walked on the water if he looked upon the Lord but began to sink when he focused on the storm or circumstances.  The joy in trials is knowing that trials are tools in the hand of God that bring about restoration in our lives. 

Psalm 126 is a psalm of praise for restoration from God.  This restoration comes as we repent of our sins and return to God.  While this does not produce a trouble-free life, it begins the process of restoration, bringing the greatest joy anyone can enjoy in their lives.  To begin this process please pray with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

The way is now open for you to enjoy the joy of restoration.  I encourage you to find a church teaching the Bible and connecting with other believers in Christ in that church.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

1. Rubin, Gretchen. “Fake It Till You Feel It” and 9 Other Tips to Boost Your Happiness. heleo.com. [Online] Heleo, June 14, 2016. [Cited: July 29, 2018.] https://heleo.com/fake-till-feel-9-tips-boost-happiness/4322/.

2. McCorquodale, Amanda. 8 "Fake It ‘Til You Make It" Strategies Backed by Science. mentalfloss.com. [Online] Mental Floss, February 2, 2016. [Cited: July 29, 2018.] http://mentalfloss.com/article/74310/8-fake-it-til-you-make-it-strategies-backed-science.

3. DeYoung, Kevin. The Missing Word in Our Modern Gospel. www.thegospelcoalition.org. [Online] The Gospel Coalition, February 20, 2018. [Cited: July 31, 2018.] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/missing-word-modern-gospel/.