March 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.
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 it was said among the nations,
   ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
The Lord has done great things for us,
   and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
   like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
   reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
   bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
   carrying their sheaves.

Reflection

It never seems to stop O Lord,
   you bring blessing and joy,
yet it's followed by more pain and sorrow,
   then we need you to act again.

You walk by our side through it all,
   you rescue us and joy returns.
As we live in the hope of eternal joy,
   we know of your saving grace.

Yet, it is a joy to live through with you,
   live through the testing and know,
that you bring eternal joy in the finality.
   Joy and laughter and strength.

Yes, it's true, that when we endure with you,
   we come home to you laughing.
We rejoice in the battle and the pain,
   knowing that through it all you shall save.

Prayer
Jesus, you are always there. In the midst of pain and sorrow, you are there. In the midst of illness, you are there. Jesus, you are always there. In the midst of joy and laughter, you are there. In the midst of blessing and honor, you are there. Be with me always... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen