Bringing in the Sheaves

Big breakthroughs start in the joyful realization of those closest to the work of seeing something through. At the moment in which no one is around to hear the shout, “Eureka!” the one shouting is sure and bubbling over with joy. Have you ever been that one who knows the good not yet widely known? The new daddy is texting out the news of a healthy baby, a healthy momma, and is so excited, his thumbs hardly work getting the message typed. The researcher stares through the microscope and sees the evidence that shows the way forward. The business team sees the nod from the other side, assuring the negotiations have been successful. The scans come back, and the treatment is working. It is like a dream, but real, and the ones with all the hope move into an internal physiological response of joy.

In the religious history of Israel, there were many long periods of agonizing discouragement: Slavery in Egypt; Decades in the wilderness, Threats to the Davidic Kingdom, Exiles in Babylon and Assyria. At times the light of hope is so dim it hardly registers at all. In the waiting, the signs of changing fortune foster joyous, tearful transitions toward relief and rejoicing.

Psalm 126   In convertendo

1    When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
         then were we like those who dream.

2    Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
         and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3    Then they said among the nations, *
         "The Lord has done great things for them."

4   The Lord has done great things for us, *
        and we are glad indeed.

5    Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
        like the watercourses of the Negev.

6    Those who sowed with tears *
        will reap with songs of joy.

7    Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
        will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

The seeds of waiting, watching, and hoping sometimes do crack open and sprout into the new season of fulfillment. The dry, dormant seed—by the mystery of God—cycles through to become the heavy sheaf full of grain bearing down on your shoulder.  In all the places it is most needed in our world, in all the places in your own personal life where that breakthrough is sorely needed, let it be. May the breakthrough show itself, and may you begin your songs of joy.