First, the Lord has done great things (1-3). When the people of God were sent into exile their fortunes and their prospects looked grim. They could see no hope of returning to Israel, and no hope for worshiping the Lord in his temple. But the Lord restored the fortunes of his people. He brought them back as he had promised. It was a dream come true. The people were filled with laughter and joy, and their sole source of joy was the Lord himself. In the same way Christians are those who were brought out of their captivity to sin, in which we are helpless, from the grim prospect of death to the joy of the hope of life. How great is the Lord. He is our source of joy and life; he has done great things for us. Second, tears and joy (4-6). Our hope is in the Lord, who restores us in every way. This life is like a desert, where we often sow in tears. But our hope is in the Lord. He is the one who brings water to the desert and turns weeping into joy. He makes his people fruitful in their suffering. Our joy comes when we meet him there.
Application: Lord, restore the fortunes of your people. Turn our tears into joy.
One Word: Sow with tears; reap with joy