Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey - 5th Sunday in Lent
posted on March 29
The Fifth Sunday in Lent Sunday, April 3
The Sundays of Lent are not considered in the count of the season’s 40 days. Sundays are for celebrating the resurrection on each phase of life’s journey. During Lent we have several “Little Easters” to refresh us along our way. We will read the Psalm appointed for each Sunday in Lent in 2022.
Our Fifth Little Easter
Read: Psalm 126
A Harvest of Joy
A Song of Ascents.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
5 May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. (Psalm 126:5)
Reflection: This is another one of my favorite Psalms, as I have gone to it many times as I have experienced disappointments in my life and ministry. I am reminded that God is the restorer of not only fortunes, but of well-being. God takes our “dry spots” and nourishes them like desert valleys that receive life-giving seasonal rains. New things spring forth, even from sadness. Many of us have sown in tears, and not been sure what might grow. God promises a harvest. We can lift shouts of praise and rejoicing. We can laugh and sing again. So many people need that promise in their lives right now. With whom can you share these encouraging words?
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, we need to read this Psalm right now. We need its promise, its nourishment, its hope. May we entrust you with the griefs of our pasts and the hopes of our futures, and may we give you thanks as we see you answering our prayers … and even when we cannot. Amen.
Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
