WHY WE SIGH

WHY WE SIGH!

Ps 126:1-3

126 When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. [We had suffered so long we couldn’t believe it was really over].

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

3 The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Isa 35:10

10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

           In an article in Psychology Today, researchers  presented the participants with one of two puzzles: one solvable but difficult, the other impossible (but seemingly simple). They were instructed to work as long as they'd like and to give up at any point if desired. Sighs were counted by observers.

           And sigh they did—77% of puzzlers sighed, with an average of 4 sighs per person. Most occurred during breaks between unsuccessful attempts. When asked how they felt, the vast majority of participants expressed frustration—interestingly, most denied ever sighing at all, even when told that they were observed doing so.

           So what is a sigh? According to this study, it's an expression of resignation and frustration. If you have waited a long time for an answer to your prayer or relief from trouble, when it comes you are afraid to believe. It is like “a dream come true.”

Ps 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Dear Lord, strengthen those who are waiting and sighing. Liberate the laughter in those who are afraid to believe. AMEN