Being a believer does not ensure a trouble-free life. Christians remain human and continue to live in a fallen world. We face challenges, difficulties, and problems. God never promises us prosperity or freedom from persecution. Actually, we’re reminded a number of times in the New Testament that those seeking to follow in the footsteps of Jesus will face persecution endure troubles. Trying to live a godly life will challenge us, but we can rest in the promise that God will provide us with all the grace we need to stay steadfast and remain faithful. Regardless of our circumstances, believers can experience joyful fulfillment and abundant hope that comes with believing and trusting in Jesus.
In Psalm 126, we find the writer rejoicing over the Israelites return home while praying for a complete restoration. Initially overwhelmed with joy upon their return, the Israelites quickly discovered that their land had become hard and wild because no one had tended to it in their absence. They remembered that hard work today results in a rich harvest tomorrow. Present sorrow can be replaced by future joy if they remained steadfast in the work God had ordained for them to do.
So it is for us also, who have been called to be ambassadors for Christ. While our work can be slow, hard, and discouraging, we can count on God’s promise to reward our efforts if we stay faithful in completing it.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
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“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter then,
and our tongues with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.
6 Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.
Source(s):
Blackaby, Henry and King, Claude A. (1994). Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. Broadman and Holman Publishers. Nashville, Tennessee.
Lockyer, Herbert (1966). All the Books and Chapters of the Bible. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Randel, Don Michael (2003) The Harvard Dictionary of Music. Harvard University Press. Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Tomlin, Chris and Whitehead, David. (2017). Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change the Way You Worship. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.
White, James F. (1993) A Brief History of Christian Worship. Abingdon Press. Nashville.
Websites:
Bob Utley’s Free Bible Commentary
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The Devotional Guy™ 
Thanks for sharing. God’s wisdom and guidance brings us a harvest of joy. As the Psalm says, “God has done great things.”
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God blesses me daily, and I lift up a prayer of thanksgiving. Before I can pray for others, I need to give thanks to our Lord.
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Agreed. We must cultivate an attitude of gratitude if we intend to be a blessing to others. Thanks for reading and sharing.
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