Though comprised of only 3 verses, this brief psalm has been called 'one of the most beautiful psalms in the psalter'.  At the heart of this song is the remarkable claim by David, 'like a weaned child, I am content'.  Three words seems to provide the structure to the psalm - contentment at the center; pride in verse 1 and hope in verse 3.  Essentially David seems to be saying that true contentment is not to be found through thinking more highly of oneself (pride) or by constantly striving to figure out the big questions of life.  Instead contentment is found through putting ones hope in (literally - to wait patiently for) Yahweh.  No matter what the circumstances of life may be, we may find contentment in the secure knowledge that Yahweh is continuing to accomplish His good and unstoppable work of Redemption and Restoration!  We may rest secure and find true contentment in that knowledge alone!

We come to a song of celebration today.  "Yahweh has restored the fortunes of Zion!"  In particular we pay attention to the fact that the kind of work which God loves to do is the work of restoration - taking that which is broken or deteriorated and restoring it to its original state, purpose or condition.  The song has 3 stanzas.  The first contains language in the past tense and reminds us to look back on what God has done and to celebrate with great joy.  The 2nd stanza uses present tense language - 'we are filled with joy'.  The final stanza looks forward and appeals to God to continue His amazing work and finishes with a powerful and very encouraging promise: 'those who sow in tears with reap with joy!'.  May we be encouraged and filled with great joy as we see His restorative work in our own lives!