Freed
The last living American hostage, Edan Alexander, has been released by Hamas. Edan Alexander was just 19 years old when he was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and he spent 583 days as a hostage before being freed in what Hamas described as a “goodwill gesture” in advance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region.
Of the 251 people taken hostage more than two-and-a-half years ago, 58—including both living and deceased—remain in captivity. While there are no more living American hostages, Hamas has not released the bodies of four Americans believed to have died in captivity.
Analysis and eternal perspective: “We were like those who dreamed” (Ps. 126:1). It is the first thing that comes to mind every time I hear news of a hostage release or see footage of a family reunification. Psalm 126 is just six short verses, but it is packed full of the rejoicing that occurred when “the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion.”
This is not just some ancient promise, or even only a truth about modern day family reunifications (though it is both of those things). It is also a powerful reminder of how God turns your tears into joy. It is easy and tempting to rush past grieving in pursuit of joy. But true joy is so often found on the other side of long suffering. It occurs in the very place of pain. It is discovered and embraced not in the absence of tears, but rather intermingled with them and in their aftermath.
Take a moment this week to watch this beautiful depiction of Psalm 126.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.