I would guess that Psalm 126 was written after the Babylonian captivity, perhaps during the time of Ezra or Nehemiah, or perhaps sometime after as the Jews looked back on their return to Jerusalem.
And as you look at this psalm, their joy is palpable.
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:1-3)
As I look at this psalm, I imagine going to the New Jerusalem will be like this. Our eyes wide in wonder and our mouths filled with laughter and joy.
And as we look back on our journey here on earth, we’ll see all the great things that God did for us to set us free from Satan’s kingdom, starting with the cross.
Though we may sow many tears here on this earth, in the end, we will reap a harvest of joy. Not only that, God will richly reward us for all we’ve done through the face of hardship.
So as the apostle Paul wrote,
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 