Psalm 126

Prayer is Laughing

Have you ever had dreams you wish would never end? Have you woken up and become extremely disappointed because the dream you were absorbed in was far beyond the pleasures of your reality? Perhaps those are glimpses of what is to come. Joy beyond words, happiness and laughter that compares to nothing else you have experienced before.

God is our Father! Like all (most) fathers, He wants us to be filled with joy and happiness. Laughter is an honest and sincere display of pleasure. Our Lord is pleased when we have feelings of joy and contentment.  

Psalm 126: 1-3

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joy. 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.”

According to GotQuestions.org

“Zion meant Jerusalem and later, Israel as the people of God."

We often read of the daughter of Zion. 

“Daughter” infers that God is a loving father. He cherishes and loves His people, even while they reject Him. By using the metaphor “daughter of Zion,” God showed how He felt for the rebellious Israelites: frustrated, angry, but always with an eye to the future when the relationship would be restored, and He could once again return to them and welcome them into His arms (Zechariah 2:10)”

This week as we pray, let’s incorporate joy, celebration, worship, gratitude, and hope. Let’s also be keenly alert to the multitude of pleasures God has placed in our lives, and use joy and fun as triggers to remember to thank God for His gifts.

Read/Listen to Psalm 126

Prayer is Laughing - OUT LOUD

Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV) 

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.    

You may be wondering why the title this week of Prayer is Laughing.  I had the same question as I read through many of the verses selected, some of which are light, but others that aren't.  The verses speak of trusting God, of Him fighting with and for us, of enemies waiting to devour us.

Chapter 39 opens with, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."  While the image of a muzzle on my mouth is humorous I am not laughing.

Turn to Chapter 40 and read, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. I was grinning at this one because I written a note in the margin next to the word mire, the surname, Meyer.  That is my maiden name and I know it is family issues that that caused the pain we experienced--sometimes dragging that pain into adulthood.  There is a funny story about the word, mud, but that is for another devotion.

Chapter 41 addresses God sustaining us on our sickbed.  This Psalm also tells of our enemies whispering against us; vile disease, even close friends deserting us.  So, why should we be laughing?  It suddenly became very clear.  God is faithful.  When we face insurmountable life situations, God is bigger than all of them.  When doubting tomorrow's value, God is encouraging us to stay in the moment.  Tomorrow has enough worries of it's own, stay in today.

As Christians we can smile in the face of adversity.  As Children of God we can belly-laugh at today's troubles. Because we are saved by the Blood of the Lamb, there is no more reason for tears or fears. So, come on, through back you head and laugh out loud.  God is Faithful. God is good...ALL THE TIME.


Psalm 39, 40 and 41