Andrew Gilbert—The Psalms of Ascent talk about a metaphorical and literal uphill journey towards Jerusalem - the place where GOD resided in His temple. This was a journey about community, surrender, trust, obedience, joy, pain and tears. Psalm 126 was written by those who had already returned to their spiritual homeland after the 70-year exile in Babylon, now ecstatic with joy, but praying for GOD to deliver those who haven’t yet returned to their spiritual and physical homeland (prodigals). Joy and tears are a key theme of this Psalm, as their history with God reminded them of Who He was for them, and also what to anticipate in regard to answers to future prayers. It begs the question - what if joy is such a highly valued commodity in the Kingdom of Heaven that we place it in the middle of our walk with GOD, and don’t treat it as simply a footnote or an afterthought?

Resources—Study Guide