My grandnephew, his wife, and their daughter are serving as missionaries in New Guinea. He closes his newsletters with these words: “Having fun serving Him.”

With the word fun, he means pleasure, not a sense of amusement. How pleasurable it is to be an instrument in God’s hand—leading people to the Savior, comforting the sick and sorrowing, bringing transformation to troubled marriages, and doing good in the name of Jesus.

I’m quite sure the writer of Psalm 126 would agree. The six verses radiate with a spirit of joy and gladness from beginning to end. The psalm opens with a reminder of a time when God “brought back the captivity of Zion” (v.1). God had miraculously delivered His people from a grave situation (exactly what it was we don’t know). It was like a dream come true—and His people were filled with joy as they responded with refreshing laughter and hearty singing. It was a revival!

After a prayer for another such revival, the psalmist made a promise to all who serve God: “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (v.5).

An abundant spiritual harvest can lead to laughter and singing. Yes, serving Him is fun!  — Herbert Vander Lugt