Psalm 126 -- LORD restored the fortunes of Zion

This Psalm is about the joy the people felt when they were released from Babylonian captivity.  They were ecstatic, as only prisoners who once were chained to a foreign land, could be.  They were filled with joy upon their return home, after years of being forced to live in a strange land; to put down roots in soil that was not their own.

Psalm 126:6 (MSG)
"So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing." 

At some point in each of our lives, there is the experience of captivity; a season when our strongholds have a strong hold on us.  What is it that troubles you?  What has you chained to the past, longing for tomorrow's reprieve?  This year of 2012 is coming to a close and we are fast approaching the time when we prepare to turn over that new leaf.  While every day is an opportunity for new beginnings in God's eyes, for some reason the first of the year is the ultimate date we humans set aside to begin anew.

God's ability to restore life is beyond our understanding. Forests burn down and are able to grow back. Broken bones heal. Even grief is not a permanent condition. Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God's great harvest of joy is coming!  --Life Application Study Bible.

Which part of the above quote from Life Application Study Bible applies to you; to your life?  Is your life a mess, are you grieving a loss, are your prayers for God to restore your finances?  Now is the time to begin praying, to seek God's Word for you each day.  He will restore your life and it will be even better than you ever dreamed.  So, what is your resolution for the new year?  What do you plan to do differently?  Better?  More often?

Read Psalm 126 here

Listen to Psalm 126 here