In-Between

Sermon Notes | November 29-30, 2025

Gratitude looks BACKWARDS and expectation looks FORWARD

"When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongues with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

Psalm 126 (ESV)

1. Thank God for PAST DELIVERANCE

"When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream."

Psalm 126:1 (ESV)

. Sometimes the blessings of God become distant MEMORIES instead of present REALITIES

"Forget not all his benefits."

Psalm 103:2 (ESV)

"Take care lest you forget the LORD..." 

Deuteronomy 8:11a (ESV)

"This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope."

Lamentations 3:21 (ESV)

. Gratitude isn't ACCIDENTAL- it’s INTENTIONAL

. What you REMEMBER will shape how you RESPOND to what you’re facing

"...then they said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them."

Psalm 126:2b (ESV)

"The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad."

Psalm 126:3 (ESV)

2. Trust God in PRESENT UNCERTAINTY

"Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!"

Psalm 126:4 (ESV)

.The same God who restored in the PAST is the same God who restores TODAY

.God, I'm confident in your CHARACTER even when I’m confused by your TIMING

.Gratitude looks BACK-trust looks UP!

3. Thank God for FUTURE BLESSINGS

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping ...shall come home with shouts of joy..."

Psalm 126:5-6a (ESV)

.God sees every every TEAR. God hears every PRAYER. God knows every BURDEN. God honors every act of FAITH.

.The REAPING always comes - but not always in the SAME SEASON you sowed.

4. Live faithfully in the IN-BETWEEN

THREE PRACTICAL RHYTHMS IN PSALM 126:

1. Remember DELIBERATELY

2.    Trust ACTIVELY 

3.    Expect BOLDLY

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

Watch Sermon Now