What We Lost

When the LORD restored the captives of Zion,

we thought we were dreaming.

Then our mouths were filled with laughter;

our tongues sang for joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The LORD had done great things for them.”

The LORD has done great things for us;

Oh, how happy we were!

Restore our captives, LORD,

like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with cries of joy.

Those who go forth weeping,

carrying sacks of seed,

Will return with cries of joy,

carrying their bundled sheaves.

Psalm 126

The grasses withered in the heat;
the streams have all run dry,
and hope lies shattered in defeat,
yet God still hears our cry.

The walls we lifted, stone on stone,
lie scattered on the sands—
yet see the wonders God has done:
Alive again we stand!

And what we lost, God will restore,
though it may still be long,
for we will live in peace once more
to raise a joyful song.

We sowed the fields with bitter seeds
and watered them with tears,
but we will harvest, rich and sweet,
the sheaves of fallen years.

And all we've lost will come again—
O God, may it be soon!
And let the welcome feast begin,
the withered flowers bloom!

When all our loves return once more,
all sorrows are destroyed,
the desert streambeds overflow
and heaven weeps for joy!