There are numerous memories in our marriage where we were so silly and just couldn’t stop laughing. You have those stories? The ones where you can’t really share in public because no one would even laugh, but two hours earlier you had tears streaming down your face and stomach cramps because you thought it was so funny!
Just this morning at a neurologist appointment, the nurse called Laura’s name to go back. Two people stood up and confusion arose. It was a woman in her 90s who also stood up. Rob told the nurse that he expected us to arm wrestle to see who got to go back to their checkup. We cracked up. The nurse did not even crack a smile.
Laughter and joy is where we find ourselves in Psalm 126. It is impossible to miss the emphasis on joy in this Psalm.
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. — Psalm 126
The unexpectedness of the Lord’s grace brings joy and laughter. Not just the fake laugh kind of laughter, the kind that makes your belly hurt kind of laughter. While many commentators disagree on the original context of this Psalm, we can agree that the joyful restoration this Psalm speaks about is a result of God’s work.
“God’s people couldn’t manufacture renewal and restoration. The Lord sent it. He delivers. He blesses. He restores.”—Tony Merida
Christmas time isn’t always a joyful time for those around us. Looking at the Psalm, however, we can look back at the work of God in our lives and remember, “The Lord has done great things for us!” If joy is your Christmas wish this season, you can meditate on all that God has done for you.
He humbly came to earth in the most unexpected way – as a baby. He served as the Messiah. He died on a cross! He was resurrected! Like Psalm 126, it all seems like a remarkable dream – the God of the universe came as man to die for us?!?!? That alone should make us sing, “He has done great things!” But then, just like the disciples, he KNOWS us! Hebrews tells us we do not worship a God who doesn’t know what we face each day and is willing to stand alongside us delighting in us!
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 iLet us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:13-15
Hold to that truth, receive His mercy and grace today so that you can come home with shouts of joy singing “The Lord has done great things!”
Family Discussion/Activities
Share about a time God worked in your life?
Discuss what brings you laughter and joy at Christmas time?
Share some dad jokes or funny stories with your kids.
