July 10 – Psalms 126-128
Psalm 126
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,[a]
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Psalm 127
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Psalm 128
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
Psalm 126–128 Reflection Question:
Lord, am I remembering with gratitude what You have done in my past while trusting You with my present and future, or have I allowed worry or weariness to overshadow the joy of Your faithfulness?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, I thank You for the ways You have restored joy and brought me through seasons of difficulty. Help me to never forget the times You have turned sorrow into joy and weakness into strength. When I am waiting or sowing in tears, remind me that You are still at work and that You bring a harvest in Your perfect timing. Teach me to walk in reverence and obedience to You, trusting that blessing comes from Your hand. Let my home and my life be rooted in Your peace and guided by Your wisdom. Strengthen me to trust You in every season, knowing that those who walk in Your ways are blessed. I choose to rejoice in You today, confident that Your goodness will follow me all the days of my life. Amen.