“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126 – ESV
The desire for joy or happiness is on everyone’s wish list! Unfortunate too many people are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. It’s not going to be found in alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, or even in material wealth. It is not going to be found in popularity, politics or positions of power. It is not something that is going to be found in outward circumstances, but inward peace and contentment.
Psalm 126 was one of the songs God’s people sang as they were coming to Jerusalem to worship. Notice the emphasis in this psalm on joy. In addition to the word “joy” appearing three times, other words such as, “laughter” and “glad” also appear. Interestingly the writer describes “joy” with three picturesque metaphors.
Joy Is Freedom. In several versions the first line reads, “When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion.” The idea is that the people of Zion had been cut off from the fortunes that sustain life. Some think this is when they were led into Babylonian captivity. Other scholars believe it is when Sennacherib had surrounded Jerusalem and were going to starve them to death. On that occasion, God killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night and set the people free (2 Kings 19:5). It seems to me the events related to Sennacherib’s invasion fit the situation more accurately. Primarily, because the writer only speaks of “Zion” the hill on which Jerusalem was located, rather than the whole country of Israel. Also, the reaction of the people was that of surprise – “a dream come true” – “we were like those who dream.” Their return from Babylonian captivity was not a surprise. Their deliverance had been foretold (Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:2). The people of Zion now had joy because they had freedom from being held captive in their own city.
True joy today comes when one has freedom. Many people think that freedom means “free to do as I please.” Many young people can’t wait to be free from the rules and regulations of their parents, but their freedom often leads to bondage in sin. It may be alcoholism, or drug abuse or immorality. All of which God says are sin. The power of sin is that sin always takes us farther than we intend to go, keeps us longer than we intend to stay, and costs us more than we intended to pay.
There are all kinds of slavery other than sin from which one needs to be freed. Some are held in the bondage of fear while others are enslaved to traditions of men. Some are held in captivity to a guilty conscience.
Christ Brings Us Freedom. Jesus taught, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). People are held in captivity by their prejudices and preconceived ideas, but truth can make one free from those false ideas. In the same context Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). With sin also comes the slavery of a guilty conscience. Paul explained, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). He also said, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Freedom is not freedom to sin and do as we please, but freedom from sin and its power. Freedom is meant to give one the opportunity to serve others.
Freedom Is Found in Christ. In that same book Paul tells us how to get into Christ where true freedom is found. He said, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). Freedom from the bondage of slavery of sin, is by putting our trust in God’s power to remove the power and guilt of sin. We show that we trust God to forgive us by being immersed in water to get into Christ and cloth ourselves with Christ.
Paul explained the principle of slavery with regard to sin and righteousness. “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? (Romans 6:16). He then rejoiced in that those people had gotten out of that bondage. He said, “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18). They were set free by being immersed in water for the remission of their sins (Romans 6:3-4). That is when they got into Christ where freedom is found.
Joy Greater than Happiness. In our culture, happiness and joy are used interchangeable, but there is a major difference between the two. The root meaning of “happiness” is “happenstance.” “Happenstance” is the condition one feels because of the circumstances surrounding him or her. If the circumstances are great, one is happy. If circumstances are bad, one is unhappy.
“Joy” is not determined by what is around one, but what is inside one. One who has joy from being set free from sin has a peace of mind that cannot be changed by unpleasant surroundings. Joy is the contentment that one has because he or she is in a relationship with God. One’s conscience is at peace with God. There is freedom from guilt and the power of Satan.
Joy truly is described by the word “freedom.” Do you have that freedom? If not, let us help you receive that joy by helping you get forgiveness of your sins.
Wayne Burger