When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. . . .
Devotional Text
Restoration is such a biblical idea. The Bible is full of stories of broken lives, wrecked dreams, and dashed hopes. But in these stories, the power of faith brings such a dramatic turnaround in each situation that the people involved cannot contain their emotions. There may have been a situation you practically gave up on, but then God reversed it miraculously. Perhaps Psalm 126:2 describes how you and your loved ones felt as you laughed and joyfully sang aloud of the Lord’s deliverance. Hosea 6:2 (NIV) describes a scene of two days of death and a third day of resurrection: “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.” This is a direct prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection on the third day. His disciples had lost all hope, when suddenly He walked out of the grave! Maybe today your hopes are lying dead inside the grave with Satan’s guards at the door. Take courage—the third day is coming! “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest” (Psalm 126:4-6).