Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those 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.

This is a reminder that God was faithful once. 

But it was written in a time when people needed hope.

There was none, and they had to look back on a time where God had actually come through. 

Crazy to think about this from our perspective. We know the Israel story. We know the many times they cycled in and out of God's blessing. 

Going through hopeless and terror, so that one day the nations can say "God has done great things for them."

What's that mean for us? Are we in a position to one day say "God has done great things." Can we keep the perspective that one day in the midst of our pain that this will be the outcome?

Our pain may be the saving grace to another individual? 

Not super fun to think about. But at the least it's hopeful.

His tears and blood were not wasted when they saved us.

If we truly follow Him, ours won't be either.