Lent Devotional – Restoration and Renewal

Thursday, April 3

By: Rev. Tim Best

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.

Psalm 126

Restoration and renewal are powerful images. We find inspiration in visualizing dry lands being refreshed by rains and flowing rivers. In times of drought, we are particularly mindful of our need for rain. In the season of planting, we know our need for growth and harvest. Where are the dry places in your life? Where do we need new growth and an abundant harvest? This is the whole point of Lent. Our need is made obvious, and we can speak honestly about the state of our spirits, as we look with anticipation towards Easter.

            As I read the words of Psalm 126, I think about all of the challenges in my own life over the past year. I am reminded of moments of deep sadness and grief, and moments of weariness and despair. I can close my eyes and imagine standing in the pulpit and looking out upon the congregation. I see your faces. I think of the weeping and suffering encountered by so many within our congregation. I think of the grace that enables us to “go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing.” Getting up and doing something in service to God is a great achievement some days. To plant seeds that could grow into hope in the midst of pain is an act of trust.

            Easter doesn’t just come to those able to wear bright emotions and smiles that match the pastel colors of outfits on sale at Belk right now. Easter comes to us in our suffering and sadness. It renews the heavy heart. In the midst of the pain of grief and loss comes the promise of new life, of resurrection. Hope comes to us in our season of need. In the final days of Lent, may God speak words of comfort and words of hope into our lives. May we trust that the God who brought back Jesus from the dead will bring new life to us.