Lent Devotional

"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 our nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."

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My name is Jill Parish, and I've attended Fellowship Bible Church of Dallas for twenty-five plus years. When I came to Fellowship as a single girl in my early twenties, I served as a Sunday School teacher for fourth grade girls and moved up with them each grade until they graduated. During that time, I also served as a Prayer Partner under Mary Gaylord. Today, I'm a wife to Patrick and mother of an almost nine-year-old boy named River and still honored to serve as a Prayer Partner.

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This Song of Ascent is an all-out celebration of God restoring Israel from Babylonian exile. It reflects the joy and almost disbelief that God moved on their behalf in such a mighty way. I connect with this Psalm in that, while I'm a steadfast follower of Jesus, I'm still so often in awe of how he works on my behalf. Scripturally, I know the characteristics of God. Above all, He is faithful. But, when He proves His faithfulness, my heart erupts in joy, and I too turn to Him in prayer. It's a reminder for me that in difficult times I should slow down, hover over His Word and be reminded of who He is and all that He has already done for me. By doing this, the worry would dissipate, and my prayers would activate as I wait on the Lord.

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Focusing our eyes on our God who is faithful gives us a joy in our hearts that only comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus, which makes us radiate differently. It's not a joy that is governed by circumstances or the daily news. It's a deep well in the heart that is only filled by Jesus. It's the part of us that trusts in a good God no matter how long it takes for Him to deliver us or our loved ones from difficult circumstances. It's a joy that comes from knowing that He is already working on our behalf, and we can rejoice before we see what He's going to do because we know with certainty that He'll do it. And, it's a prayer of thanksgiving that flows continuously from our souls that says, "Thank you, Lord. Won't You do it for Your children. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We're not worthy but downright desperate for You. Be with us, Father. We need you. Amen."