¹ When the Lord restored the fortunes Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

⁴ Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

I believe our God restores us. He can be trusted with our lives. We can place our confidence in Him, regardless of our circumstance today, knowing that our God has not forgotten us. He has a life-giving way for you and me.

In today’s scriptures we see God restoring a nation, restoring freedom, restoring purpose, restoring fortunes, restoring life, restoring family, and restoring futures. It is also clear that life situations can get worse before getting better. It does not get much worse for the Israelites than slavery, used by the Egyptians and seemingly forgotten by God.

Then comes the Passover moment when the angel of death literally “passes over” the homes of the faithful and they are set free. Psalm 126 describes God’s restoration for His people. He is the restorer of fortunes, joy, harvest, and abundance; all are reasons to praise and worship Him.

In John 11, Jesus gives new life to Lazarus and to his family and friends. This was such a miraculous moment that John records many of the Jews believing in Him as a result.

Trusting in God’s restoration certainly requires faith from us. The death angel only passes over the homes of the Israelites when they are under the blood. Service and worship of Him is vital, even when fortune is not going our way. In resurrection moments, we choose what we believe. I am amazed by John 11:45-47; there were those who saw death become life and still chose not to believe in Him.

How small our world becomes when we forget who God is and His heart for us. The Resurrection is the ultimate expression of God’s restoration of His people. All of life has a new purpose, freedom, and hope because Jesus is alive. There will be some who will believe and others who will not—and like the Pharisees, they wonder, “What are we to do?”.

When that is your question, remember that God is our restorer; the Resurrection is our proof.

Author: Virgil Askren

Other Lenten readings for today:

• Exodus 12:21-27
• John 11:45-57