The Lord has done great things and we are glad. Psalm 126:3 Devotional

In this Psalm 126:3 devotional, we’ll explore the powerful message behind the verse and how it relates to our daily lives. We’ll dive into the meaning of the psalmist’s words, reflecting on the great things the Lord has done for us, even in the middle of life’s challenges. We’ll also discover how God’s hand is always at work, bringing restoration, joy, and hope to us in every season. So, whether you’re in a time of triumph or trial, this devotional will encourage you to trust in God’s goodness and find joy in His amazing works.

What is the meaning of Psalm 126:3?

The psalmist tells us…

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.
Psalm 126:3 NKJV

The meaning of this Bible verse isn’t that we have it all together or that everything in our lives is perfect. It’s actually the opposite.

In a year’s time, we go through many ups and downs. We face hardship and experience joy, always riding the constant roller coaster of life. But through it all, God is with us, guiding us and getting us through the next loop.

When we reflect on this verse, we can see that it’s not just about the outward things going on in our lives, it’s about the deep work that our Heavenly Father is doing inside of our hearts. God’s Word reminds us that His good works are evident in every season, whether we’re in times of joy or times of hardship. The psalmist calls us to recognize the great things God has done, not just when we’re on top of the world, but also when we’re stuck in the deepest valleys.

Our Heavenly Father has been faithful throughout history, and He will continue to be steadfast and faithful in our lives today. Whether through His Word, the Holy Spirit’s presence, or the countless good works He performs on our behalf, we can be glad because He’s always with us, giving us the very best of Himself. The good news is, no matter what we face, we can have complete confidence that the Lord is doing great things, and we can trust Him to carry us through.

What Great Things Has the Lord Done for Us?

Psalm 126 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, a collection of songs sung by God’s people as they journeyed to the temple of God in Jerusalem, the holy city. In this ancient song, the Israelites express their gratitude for the amazing things God has done. After years of exile in a foreign land, God’s work of deliverance brought them back home to Mount Zion, where they could worship Him freely again.

The psalmist’s words remind us of the great joy that filled the hearts of the children of Israel when they returned to their beloved city of God. The Lord’s hand was evident in their restoration, and they sang songs of joy because they recognized the turning point in their lives. God turned their sorrow into joy, and their long exile into a time of restoration.

In our Christian life, we also experience moments where God works in mighty and amazing ways. We face hard times, but when we trust in God’s promise, we see His hand guiding us through the storms of life. Whether it’s overcoming a challenging time at work, seeing a member of your family being healed, or finding peace during a time of deep sorrow, God is always at work in our lives.

So, what great things has the Lord done for us? He has given us hope, peace, and joy through the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has provided for our needs, restored our relationships, and shown us His graciousness in tough times.

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Psalm 126:3 Devotional

The Lord Has Done Amazing Things in Times of Crisis

When we look at the history of the nation of Israel, we see countless examples of God working in times of crisis. The Lord’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt, the restoration of the fortunes of Zion after the Babylonian exile, and the rebuilding of the temple of God in Jerusalem are all reminders of God’s work in times of trouble.

These stories from the Old Testament serve as encouragement to us today. The same God who worked miracles in the lives of His people in the past is still working in our lives today. He hasn’t forgotten us in our hard times, He’s still with us, doing amazing things we may not always recognize right away.

Think back to a time of crisis in your own life. Maybe it was a time of fresh troubles, like the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, or a health crisis. It may have felt like a long exile, where you were wandering in a foreign land, far from the peace and joy you once knew. But God was with you, even in that difficult season. His timing may have been different from what you expected, but He was working behind the scenes to bring about a beautiful promise.

People often say, “Hindsight is 20/20”, and it’s very true about God’s work, it often becomes clearer in retrospect. Just as the Israelites looked back and saw how God had been faithful during their long years of exile, we can also look back at our own lives and see His hand at work. It may not have been obvious at the time, but in the proper time, God’s goodness and faithfulness always shine through.

The Second Part of the Psalm: A Prayer for Restoration

After celebrating the great things God had done, the psalmist transitions in the second part of Psalm 126 to a prayer for restoration…

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.
Psalm 126:4 New International Version

This verse shows us that although the Israelites had experienced God’s deliverance, they still faced new challenges and fresh troubles. They recognized their continued need for God’s intervention and prayed for His restoration.

In our lives, we face times when we need to cry out to God for restoration too. Even after we’ve experienced great victories, new challenges arise that require us to lean on God again. Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s in these moments of difficulty that we can turn to God with confidence, knowing He’ll restore  and renew us.

The Negev, mentioned in the verse, is a dry desert region in Israel. The psalmist prays for God to restore their fortunes like streams in the Negev, which suddenly burst to life after seasonal rains. This imagery reminds us that even in our driest, most challenging seasons, God can bring about a sudden outpouring of His grace and restoration in our lives.

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God’s Hand Does Great Things For Us

As we reflect on the meaning of Psalm 126:3, we see that it points us to the ongoing work of God’s hand in our lives. Just as He restored the fortunes of Zion and brought His people back to their dwelling place, He’s actively working in our lives today.

God’s hand is always present, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us to a better way, His way. We may not always understand God’s plan in the moment, but we can trust that He’s working all things for our good.

In times of deep sorrow, His hand brings comfort. In times of great joy, His hand lifts us higher. In times of crisis, His hand steadies us. And in times of triumph, His hand points us back to God’s glory.

Finding Joy in God’s Goodness

The joy the Israelites felt when they returned to Zion is the same kind of joy we can experience today when we reflect on the great things God has done for us. It’s a joy that doesn’t depend on our circumstances because it flows from the knowledge that God is good, and His love endures forever.

In the Psalms of Ascent, the Israelites sang about the goodness of God and the amazing things He had done. They were filled with shouts of joy because they knew that God’s promises were true, and He didn’t abandon them in their time of need.

As believers, we can experience that same joy by regularly reflecting on God’s graciousness in our lives. Take some time today to consider the great things God has done for you. It might be a small blessing you received last week or a major turning point in your life when God made a way where there seemed to be no way.

When we remember the great things God has done, it fills our hearts with gratitude and joy. It also gives us the strength to face new challenges with confidence, knowing that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the future.

The Psalm of Trust and Triumph

Psalm 126 isn’t just a Psalm of trouble but also a Psalm of triumph. It reminds us that even though we go through challenging times, God is faithful to bring us through to the other side.

The psalmist’s words encourage us to trust in the amazing work of God, even when we can’t see it. There may be moments in your life when it feels like you’re still in the middle of the struggle, but the Lord hasn’t forsaken you. Trust in His timing, His plan, and His goodness. He is doing a great work, even in the middle of your challenges.

As you read Psalm 126:3 and reflect on God’s promises, let it remind you that joy comes in the morning. Just as the Israelites sang songs of joy after their time of exile, it won’t be long until you’ll sing a song of victory when God brings you through your current struggles.

Rejoicing in God’s Amazing Work

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad. This simple yet powerful verse reminds us to take notice of what God has done in our lives and to rejoice in His goodness.

Whether you’re in a season of joy or living through the hardest time of your life, take heart, knowing God is with you. He has done amazing things in the past, and He’ll continue to do amazing things in your future.

Let this Psalm of trust and triumph inspire you to reflect on God’s graciousness, rejoice in His faithfulness, and look forward to the great things He has in store for you.

May the Lord bless you as you seek His presence and rejoice in His goodness.

Remembering What God Has Done at Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time to remember all God has done for us because the greatest gift we have ever received is celebrated during this holiday.

Jesus is the reason for the season and the gift that keeps on giving year-round. Our faith in Him is cause for the gladness this scripture talks about. And this Bible Verse for Christmas is a great reminder to praise God as we look back on all He has done for us this past year, and look forward to the year ahead!

I pray you’ll be filled with joy this season as you see God’s hand doing great things in your life.

Merry Christmas!

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