“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the nations, the LORD has done great things for them. The LORD has done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalms 126:1-3).

Captivity: Exile, prisoners; carry away captive

What a glorious day it is when the LORD moves to restore the fortunes of a nation, a people, a community, an individual soul. The Psalmist summarizes the euphoria: “we were like them that dream.” In another Psalm it is written: “You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth; you have girded me with gladness” (Psalms 30:11).

Gladness, rejoicing, laughter, singing, dancing express the overwhelming joy of freedom, restoration, return to our Land, our people, our homes. Oh, what exhilaration when the LORD turns things around.

The elation of seeing the LORD move in His mighty power to overcome our enemies who took us captive and carried us away to foreign gods, another king, another language, to a place of exile. The captivity has been turned back, overcome, put down; and we have been delivered by the LORD’s decree. Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us.

Yes, we are glad; we are grateful; we will “sing praise to You, O LORD, and not be silent. O LORD, our God, we will give thanks unto You, forever” (Psalms 30:12).

When the LORD turns things around, order is restored. Peace returns to our Land. The Scales of Justice are balanced again. The Government is upon His Shoulders. The prophets speak truth, the priests serve with sanctity and kings reign in righteousness. The LORD is worshipped in the beauty of holiness and the people bow before His Throne with contrite reverence.

When the LORD turns things around, love abides, hearts are reconciled, neighbor serves neighbor and only One is exalted in that day. We believe for that day; we pray for that day; we hope for it and wait patiently for that glorious time: when the LORD turns everything around.

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