Lost but Found – God Restoreshttps://static.wixstatic.com/media/9a88a8_6d4a1cc813c9447fbba4e629abca198b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/9a88a8_6d4a1cc813c9447fbba4e629abca198b~mv2.jpg Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. Stewart 2025-04-05T10:00:10.916Z

A Reflection for Saturday, April 5 by Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. Stewart

Lectionary Readings: Psalm 126; Exodus 12:21-27; John 11:45-57

Selected passage for reflection: Psalm 126

Read

Psalm 126

A Harvest of Joy

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

We were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with shouts 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 rejoiced.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like the watercourses in the Negeb.

5 May those who sow in tears

reap with shouts of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy,

carrying their sheaves.

Reflect

Have you ever lost something, and you looked everywhere to try to find it? You are searching through the seams of your couch, in between your car seats, looking in every coat and jean pockets and to no avail, the item still seems lost. Finally, you just stop, pray, sit still and ask the Holy Spirit to bring back to remembrance the last place you had the item. It is then that you look over at the table and there is the item you were looking for. That was me a few weeks ago. Like the Psalmist in this scripture, my mouth was full of laughter, because all I had to do was STOP, PRAY, and BE STILL.

These last few years since the start of the pandemic, I have learned to stop, to pray, to be still, and recognize all the great things God has done in my life. When I wanted to give up, throw in the towel, and continue to ask God, “How long is this going to last?” But while asking that question, God reminded me, “the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).” As I continued to confess and pray that scripture, it was then that God restored everything I thought I had lost during such a turbulent time of my life; ending a marriage of 21 years, losing friends I thought would be there through my every thick and thin, and wrestling with what is next. But God! What I sowed in tears these last few years, I am now reaping the seeds that I have sown. I can sing with JOY, that the harvest has come and that “The Lord has done great things for me.” This is the year of everything being made NEW, God is restoring all my fortunes.

Respond

What or who have you lost? Take time to bring it before God. Stop searching and asking others but BE STILL and seek God. Grab your journal and find your quiet space. Look at this picture and play this song then imagine meeting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:39), remember his friends could not stay awake, but he prayed and asked God, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Reflect on what is speaking to you. Then read Psalm 126 again and reflect on all the good things God has done for you and let the JOY of God fill you.

Rest

God, may you bring me to a place of Joy that I experience every morning, and may I always remember the great things you have done for me when I end my day. In Jesus Name, Amen.

About the author

Rev. Dr. Cynthia P. Stewart is an intercessory prayer leader who has been facilitating a 5 am Wednesday Morning prayer call with women since 2018. She recently completed the Advanced Spiritual Direction Internship through Loyola University Chicago where she also works. Called the “urban theologian” she loves to expose her students to the diversity of Chicago neighborhoods and while there must try some food options, because she is a foodie. She holds graduate degrees from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (PhD & MTS) and North Park Evangelical Theological Seminary (M.Div. & MA).