better days....

Better days are coming, aren't they?  Many of us hope so.  Some talk about it, some write about it (like I'm doing right now) and others sing about it.  Johnny Rehzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls penned the lyrics to the 2005 hit, Better Days, as a way to express his feelings of unfairness within our nation's political and social landscape.  His own experience with dark days led him to write more positive, hopeful lyrics.  The song goes like this -

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

This song became a theme for the CNN Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign -- words of hope to those devastated by this horrific natural disaster.

Perhaps you haven't lived through an actual hurricane but your life circumstances have done just as much damage to your heart (and hope for the future) as gale force winds and torrential waves.   I've been there -- looking to God for answers following heartbreak over situations both within and beyond my control...not a pleasant place to be.

I've been reading through the book of Psalms in the Bible and now am amidst the 15 psalms scholars refer to as the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  It is believed that these writings were actual songs sung by pilgrims on their way to celebrate the Jewish festivals in the city of Jerusalem.

I don't have memories of being in my parents car singing, "over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we go," but I can remember the excitement and anticipation of a trip to a family party or special occasion.  We have had many gatherings filled with laughter, delicious food and good times.  So that is what I think of as I put myself in the experience of a religious pilgrim making their way over rough roads to a highly anticipated special event. Sing along with me.....

Psalm 126:
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
 but they sing as they return with the harvest.
New Living Translation

The pilgrims sang this particular "song" to remind them of the good times in the past and to establish a hope for the future -- trusting God for better days to come.  God had rescued them from a seventy year Babylonian captivity and then provided for their return to their native home.  This song tells us that their rescue was so miraculous other nations acknowledged it as an act of God.

For the Jews, this rescue was followed by years of difficulty.  They had to restore their society and rebuild their temple -- one can imagine the challenges involved once arriving back to a city following decades of absence.  There would be a lot of work to restore that which time had taken.

As I've read and thought about this Psalm, I've been reminded of my own past "good times" -- those times when I know God has rescued or delivered me -- even times when others have commented, "wow, God surely has been good to you!"  Have any of those yourself?

Some of my good times have been followed by hard work and even seasons of discouragement.  Just as with the returning exiles,  I've experienced challenges while "rebuilding" - there has been some emotional & spiritual work to get where God has brought me today. 

The second half of this song is a prayer to God for restoration.  Just as streams of water bring new life to a parched desert, the Psalmist believes God can be counted upon to restore fortunes and that tears and weeping will produce joy.  It is important to notice the action involved-- the planting of tears and weeping is what turns into the harvest of joy and singing. 

So - I'm learning to remember the good things God has done in my past and that, even though there may be hard labor involved before a harvest, I can look forward to my future with hope.  I know God can refresh my own dry seasons and that even my own sorrow can be fruitful.

Better days are ahead my friend.......