The darkest moment in the history of Israel in the Old Testament was the destruction of Jerusalem in 586BC and the long period of exile that followed for the Jewish people. But in this dark place the Jews cried out to God at the behest of the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and following the example of Daniel (Daniel 9). The writer of Psalm 126 records the amazing events that took place in answer to these prayers and he sums up the key lesson to be learned from this. In 539BC the city of Babylon was overtaken by the Persian army. The Persian emperor Cyrus let the Jews return to Jerusalem. Their earnest prayers were answered. In fact, the process of praying and seeking God in exile was the key thing that kept them from disappearing entirely as a distinct people group. They were expected to assimilate and become like the Babylonians. But their prayers kept them focused on God’s promises and his purposes and, in this way, they maintained their distinct sense of identity. So, when Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return, there was, amazingly, a people ready to take up this opportunity. The lesson from all this, which the psalm writer recalls in a later time of need, is this: “Those who sow in tears, will reap with songs of joy.” Seeking God is not just a sad necessity. It is the very thing that keeps us focused and connected with God’s purpose. God will therefore put you in situations that will gently, or perhaps even violently, prompt you to seek him.
Seek God. Ask him to keep you focused on what is most important.
Read Psalm 126.
