There are a number of what I call “Impact Thoughts” that came to mind as I read and meditated on Psalm 126. When an “Impact Thought” develops in my mind as I’m reading I usually stop and write it out. This provides an opportunity to reflect or meditate on the thought.
Try re-writing the thought more clearly and cogently. Then go back and re-read the portion that prompted the thought. Always check to see if the thought is consistent with the context.
As I read Psalm 126 the thought, “You are saved to serve,” crystallized in my mind. More precisely, since it talks about being restored to Zion, you could say, “You are restored to reach out,” or “Blessed to be a blessing.”
The first four verses of Psalm 126 discuss the blessing of being restored. It’s like a dream at first, hard to believe. Then the dream comes true. When that grips you the result is laughter, songs of joy, and rumors spreading around of what God has done.
Expectations increase.
Listen to verse 4, “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.” Verse 5 seems to summarize what’s taken place. In captivity they wept for deliverance - in restoration they were filled with songs of joy. Verse 6 takes it one step further: “He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” They had been blessed in their deliverance. Now they were ready to be a blessing to others.
Remember the impact thought: Saved to serve, restored to reach out, or blessed to be a blessing.
