Weeping and praising
by Neil Bergmann
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Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them (Psalm 126:6).
Read Psalm 126
The Saturday readings in this devotional series are always a psalm. These songs cover many themes – repentance and forgiveness, lament, cries for rescue, thanksgiving and wonder at creation. But the single theme that runs through all the psalms is praise for God.
Sometimes, this praise seems to fit perfectly within the theme of the psalm. Other times, it is more jarring.
It seems natural to say:
- God rewards the faithful and punishes sinners, so praise God.
- God displays his glory in all creation, so praise God.
- God has done wonderful things for us, so praise God.
- God has rescued me, so praise God.
However, it seems less obvious to say:
- God, why have you forsaken me, and praise God.
- God, my enemies are all around me, and I need help, and praise God.
- My heart is in anguish, and praise God.
- I am drowning and on my last breath, and praise God.
- God, my soul is full of troubles, and praise God.
Today’s psalm (126) is a plea to restore the fortunes of Israel; however, it is a confident plea, with confidence that God will provide restoration, and joy will return.
These psalms are a reminder that praising God is not a transactional exercise. The amount of our praise does not depend on the greatness of God’s deliverance. Instead, praise is an integral part of our relationship with God, during good times and bad. God is always our saviour and always our rescuer. So, we should always be praising God. However, as we see in the Book of Psalms, we do not need to be afraid to tell God about our troubles. We can be confident that God is always beside us, no matter what.
God of salvation, you are always worthy of praise and thanksgiving. I know that I am broken and need healing, so help me to trust in you alone. Praise God. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. He enjoys the quieter pace of life after retirement, being able to spend more time with his wife, Margit, and their daughter, Elina.
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