11.Laughter Returns by. RDH
When it was like a dream!
2We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
I connect with this song so completely because I can identify with the children of Israel’s process of restoration. I recently had a very difficult season of illness. My lungs and heart were working so hard, I could feel them shutting down! Although I have struggled with allergies and asthma for some time one day I looked up and I had difficulty breathing, talking, and walking. I had chills, headache, vertigo, tremors, excessive tiredness, nausea, dizziness, sweating, mood swings, frequent urination, coughing, tingling in extremities, tightness in chest, shooting/sharp pains, shortness of breath, sore throat, shaking, nasal congestion. I know this because there were so many symptoms at the same time or on and off that I kept a journal. I felt like my body had betrayed me. I was so frustrated and would cry throughout the day because I could not understand what was happening with me and if I would ever feel like myself again.
He wants our prayers to be a beacon of light for the lost, and to draw those who are destitute, homeless, and without a place to learn of His love. It is quite easy to pray for these individuals who are in other countries and abroad, but what about our family members, co-workers, neighbors, and those we see on a regular basis? It is quite easy to become frustrated and distant with individuals who are familiar to us and with whom we are trying to love into the kingdom.
Therefore, the Lord calls us to pray for individuals who are not always kind to us, especially if we are believing for their salvation. He does not want us to despise them because of their weaknesses and blindness.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (2 Cor. 4:3-4 NLT)
This week, let us pray and trust the Lord to cultivate within us a heart for souls, a passion that will reach beyond our own capabilities, and opportunities to share His love with those that we encounter on a regular basis. Let us pray that our lives will speak volumes to those that are lost, so that when we share the good news of God’s glorious gospel, it will coincide with our actions. Let us pray for those who mock us, curse us, offend us, and believe for sincere love in our hearts as we pray and intercede for them.