This psalm divides in two halves, each about God restoring the fortunes of his people. The first recalls a great surprise in their past that even the surrounding nations noticed. The second looks to the future during a time of hard work and weeping, asking God to restore their fortunes again. Central to the psalm is the hopeful refrain: “the Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Whether laughing or weeping, in recalling God’s goodness, we can hope in the Lord.