Psalm 126:2   

            Let us be reminded from the outset that “SULLENNESS” is not, nor has it ever been a sacred attribute. Nowhere in Scripture is the child of God called upon to be sullen, gloomy, or sour. On the contrary, we are repeatedly instructed and commanded to have joy, to maintain a joyful disposition, to count it all joy and to indeed possess a joyful attitude always. It is defined as one of the prominent fruits of the spirit. As the great apostle Paul writes, he instructs the saints of Galatia and everywhere that the fruit of the Spirit is “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5: 22). Even while in prison, he is careful to point out to the saints at Philippi that they ought to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). This theme is so vital to the apostle that he sees the pressing need to repeat it – “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.” It is such an essential element of successful Christian living that Paul swiftly repeats it for emphasis and to ensure that the message is not easily forgotten. As followers of the Lamb we are commanded to rejoice. 

            Here in case, we missed it, Christians are commanded to rejoice under all circumstances. This becomes a little easier when we keep in mind that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but it comes directly from the great God that sustains us. Therefore, Christians can be inwardly joyful when all around their soul gives way. We unfailingly find Nehemiah’s assessment to be accurate, “…For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). 

            In our Psalm of reflection today, the author expresses deep feelings of joyful emotions in response to the remarkable things the Almighty has done on behalf of His oppressed people. It speaks about their miraculous redemption from slavery and captivity. After much pain, misery, heartache, and humiliation, Zion’s captives are returned. They can return home and celebrate. Inarguably there is no place like home!  

            As a result, the Psalmist declares – We laughed, we sang! He said, “It seemed like a dream too good to be true, when God returned Zion’s exiles. We laughed, we sang – we could not believe our good fortune” (MSG Bible). In the King James version, it is recorded in this manner, “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 heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them” (Psalm 126:1,2). How often we forget both to laugh and sing. We fret and pout instead. 

            However, the passage goes beyond the heathens recognizing that we are blessed. We, knowing that we are blessed, must tell our own story in 2023 and respond appropriately. We repeatedly declare, “The Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (v.3). Honestly, it would be a sin of the greatest magnitude for us not to recognize how blessed and favored we are and for us not to rejoice. Today, if we must cry, let there be tears of joy also. Some of us need to retire our mourning attire. He has turned for many of us our mourning into dancing. He has taken off our sackcloth and clothed us with gladness. He has broken the heavy bands and liberated us to laugh and sing again! WE LAUGH AND SING! 

Leroy V. Greenaway 

Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region 

February 11, 2023