Many times I felt I wouldn't make it through, but each time I came back to 'I've come too far to stop now.'
" When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them," The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.
Psalms 126 is such an awesome passage of scripture, giving hope and joy to all of us under attack. It reminds us that God restores and it almost beckons you to break out with 'Men Who Dream', for those who know the song. There is a small word, however, in the passage that is often overlooked, but is crucial to our deliverance - WHEN.
'When' is an unspecified time. In this case, a time known only to God. The restoration is promised. You will dream again, if you keep going until your 'when' and God's 'when' intersects.
'When' is that foggy place where the journey can become unbearable. The desire to turn and run, to give up, is the greatest. It's where you question if you made the right decision. If God has forgotten you. If it's even worth it. There is no magic pill to take that will ease the pain or get you through it quicker. Not enough 'hallelujahs' or 'praise the Lords' to calm your soul. This is you in the trenches, where the true condition of your faith is revealed, 'do I truly believe in this God I claim to profess?' This is where I learned to stand. Not on my own two legs, because they were giving way underneath me, but to stand on the promises of God.
In a world where vows are so easily broken, we can become distrusting. I needed to know God kept His word and He indeed, showed Himself trustworthy. Here are a treasure chest of some of my favorites, but dig, search and see what speaks to you. According to one account, there are 3573 promises in the bible. Our incredible God of provision, prepared in advance the rungs on our ladder of faith. We just have to continue to climb. I heard someone say once, that God does not place the promises in our hands, but within our grasp. So I guess the question is, 'are they worth fighting for'?
Psalm 126 goes on to say in verses 5-6, "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Think of it this way, though you may be shedding many tears as you push through your foggy 'when' period, your tears are irrigating your promises, preparing to produce a harvest that is bountiful and rich. Stay the course, God is faithful.
15 promises of God:
Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your righthand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
Deuteronomy31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalm 9:9–10
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Philippian s4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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