Psalm 126 is one of the fifteen “songs of ascents” in the beloved book of poetry and praise. This chapter tells of a people who were laughing, full of joy, and who thought they were dreaming because the Lord had done such wonderful things for them. The goodness of God was proclaimed amongst themselves, and declared among the nations.

David proclaims that this restoration did not come without tears and brokenness and desperation. The harvest came forth after the seed was sown with weeping. Then he says:

He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

It paints a beautiful picture of one who is so grateful for a harvest, he is walking away with sheaves stacked so high he can barely see where he is going. He can’t stop rejoicing and singing songs of praise. He has toiled and wept. He is not patting himself on the back — he is completely beside himself and in love with a generous Provider.

This Psalm is a foreshadow of the coming Christ who was the seed, sown by His weeping Father, that had to die and fall to the earth in order to bring life and to bring a harvest that would never perish.

Bifrost Arts recently released an album called He Will Not Cry Out : Anthology of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Volume II. On this record is a song titled “Psalm 126” (track 7), beautifully sung by Molly Parden of Nashville. The lyrics are taken directly from the psalm and artfully organized to be very singable while preserving their original worshipful purpose.

I love that when I sing or listen to this song I can see how God has restored me in different ways and will continue to do so. It also reminds me of the harvest I pray for in my own heart, my relationships, and in my life. It encourages me that the challenges and tears will only make the victory that much more sweet — not because of what I have done, but because of what only God could do.

What kind of harvests have you toiled and wept over? What harvest is proving to be impossible without God’s love and provision in your life? What harvest is going to cause you tremendous rejoicing and singing when it is finally reaped? What harvest is going to make your heart explode with thanksgiving?

Click here to listen to the track. The lyrics are written below if you would like to read along!

Psalm 126

Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter
Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy
Restore us, O Lord
Restore us, O Lord

Although we are weeping
Lord, help us keep sowing
The seeds of Your Kingdom
For the day You will reap them
Your sheaves we will carry
Lord, please do not tarry
All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy

The nations will say, “He has done great things!”
The nations will sing songs of joy
Restore us, O Lord
Restore us, O Lord