Do it again!

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dream...

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like streams in the Negeb!

Psalm 126:1, 4

When my kids were little and some activity at playtime with them was particularly fun, they would squeal with delight and then breathlessly request, “Do it again!” Pushing them high on a playground swing... “Do it again!” Tossing them into the air and catching them with a hug... “Do it again, daddy!” The joy always was great and wanted repeating. And I often would comply until there was no way I could keep at it.

This psalm delights in God in much the same way. God brought Zion (the Temple Mount, synonymous with worship and the welfare of Jerusalem) back from Israel’s neglect and His judgment. And pilgrims trekked to Jerusalem to ascend the Temple Mount, thankful for a way to worship God in obedience to the covenant. This felt like a waking dream to those able to return in restored relationship. It was a delight. And the joy was dreamy in its intensity.

And then there is that childlike, breathless request: “Do it again, Lord!... Restore our fortunes... We want the joy of seeing a fresh spring of joy open up and flow through the desert of our pains!” This was the worship request of a generation thrilled with the joy of anticipation of worship. They did not want to lose that thrill, and so they ask for it to continually renew them like a fresh stream in the parched Negeb.

Lord,

I pray that childlike joy in the wonder of Your saving love in Jesus would always restore in me the joy of my salvation. Do it again!

Amen