Psalms 126:1

Psalms 126:1 says, A Song of degrees.  This is another song of degrees, then verse one says, When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.  The psalmist says that when the people of Israel were restored to their land from captivity, it was almost unbelievable to them.  Matthew Henry says that though it doesn't say, this was probably when they returned from captivity in Babylon.  When we are restored to a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, it occurs immediately upon accepting Him as our Savior and Lord, and we should be amazed.  Verse two adds, Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.  Upon their return, the people of Israel were filled with laughter, or joy, and were singing praises to God.  The people around them knew that Gad had restored the people of Israel.  As Christians, when we are restored to God, we should be full of joy and sing praises to God so that those around us will know that He has redeemed us.  Vere three continues, The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Just as God had done a great thing for the people of Israel then making them glad, He has done an even greater thing for Christians today, and we should be exceedingly glad.  Their restoration was temporary and ours is everlasting spiritually.  Verse four states, Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.  Though some of the people of Israel had returned, not all had, and those who had returned were burdened for those who hadn't and prayed for their deliverance.  As followers of Christ, we should be burdened for the lost of the world, even as we celebrate our own salvation.  Verse five adds, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  Those that were still in captivity would one day cry tears of joy when they were restored.  This was stated in faith that it would be accomplished.  We can state in certainty that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will be saved, and this should cause us to cry tears of joy.  Verse six continues, He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  The psalmist said that those who had gone away into captivity weeping would return rejoicing and bringing there sheaves with them.  We are held captive by sin until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and once we do we should return unto God with rejoicing.  Just as the people then brought their sheaves, their necessities for everyday life by God's provision, so will we as Christians have God provide for all our needs spiritually.