May 7, 2025
Turn our captivity
Read: 1 Samuel 19,20; Psalm 126; Luke 20:1-26
Scripture: Psalm 126: 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Observation: Psalm 126 starts with a description of the joy of the restoration of God's people. This restoration here alludes to the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. It must have been an unbelievable event for them, so they praised God with unspeakable joy. However, we see a prayer in verse 4, "Restore our fortunes." We may wonder why the psalmist is again praying for restoration if he had already experienced it. Remembering God's past deliverance or intervention in our lives builds up our faith. It gives us the strength to pray for our present challenges and unfinished tasks. Here, the prayer indicates the furtherance or completion of the restoration work that has already started or says of the remaining work to be done.
The psalmist asks the Lord for a restoration "like streams in the Negev." The Negev refers to the southern part of Judea, a dry and an arid place; it is not ideal for agriculture. However, flash floods would fill the streams of Negev with plenty of water due to torrential rains. We may experience a long dry period in our lives with no success. As we return to God, he is able to fill our lives with his blessings in his time. To a man who complained of his prolonged failures, a wise man told him to sow his efforts with tears (in prayer). The psalmist expresses his hope and expectation of joy with a metaphor of sowing and reaping. Reaping and returning with songs of joy is promised to those who sow in tears.
Application: The Lord has done many great and mighty things in my life so far. He has delivered me from many things. However, I may sometimes see all my efforts become fruitless and useless. When I realize I still need God's deliverance, I can ask God to turn my captivity. My captivity could be a sinful temptation, or a disease, or a bodily weakness, or a family situation, or an ungodly environment in my life. Whatever it may be, when I ask God with a sincere heart, he will restore me in an unbelievable way. His salvation gives me unspeakable joy.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the joy you give me when you restore me. How wonderful it is to be in your hands! Lord, turn my captivity. I will sing the song of joy that praises your mighty works in my life. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 127