Psalm Devotional
Pray for Revival
Psalm 126 is the seventh in the 15 Songs of Ascents (120-134). The overall theme of the series is ascending to the temple in Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Exod. 23:14-17). Therefore, the Songs of Ascents are well suited to our praise as we ascend by the Spirit into the very presence of God in public worship (Heb. 12:22-24). The Songs of Ascents hint at this heavenly city as they often speak of Zion (v. 1).
The assembly of God’s people in public worship reminds us that, while we are saved as individuals, we are not saved alone but rejoice with the many who are the objects of God’s saving grace. Joy is the emotion that drives this psalm and makes it a common favorite. The tunes in The Book of Psalms for Worship are germane to the text.
Confession (vv. 1-3) motivates and empowers petition (vv. 4-5) in this psalm, as it does in Psalms 123 and 125. This teaches us to pray in the same manner (Matt. 6:9-13). Our economy is unpredictable, but our God does not change (Ps. 125:1). Therefore, unlike our investments, with God past performance (vv. 1-3) is a guarantee of future returns (vv. 4-6). The returns in this psalm are quite literal. Two complementary ideas seemed to be involved in this petition: one, asking God to complete what He began (e.g., the building of the temple) and, two, asking God to do what He did before (e.g., exodus and return from exile; Jer. 16:14; Ps. 44:1-4).
