Sow in Tears Reap in Joy

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and from weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalm 126:5-6

Dear Kids,

It’s been said that anything worthwhile takes a lot of work. Whether you’re talking about a good education, a special relationship, a successful career, or an enjoyable hobby, the best experiences come from time and effort. This same maxim applies to our spiritual life as well. Difficulties come and go, but those who persevere in faith will experience great rewards. Those who sow in tears reap in joy!

An Empty Patch of Farm Ground

I love this time of year. The temperature is warmer and the days are longer. This nice combination lends itself to enjoyable evening activities and more time for fun. The other night Abigail and I took a stroll around our fields. This is one of our favorite past times! But this particular night something was awry.

We noticed that corn was growing in the large field to the west of our house, but there was a huge swath of land around the perimeter of the ground that was completely bare. It seemed that when the planter came through it missed a few passes. No one realized this oversight until the seeds germinated and the plants popped through the soil. Now we stood gazing over a half planted field with great disappointment.

An Ancient Song of Ascent

Psalm 126 is a song sung by ancient Jews traveling to the temple in Jerusalem. The lyrics ring with thanks to God for His faithfulness in returning His captive people to their homeland. The joy of freedom brought about joyful shouting and loud praise as even those on the outside recognized God’s hand on the nation. But all of this joy was preceded by tears and weeping. Life was hard for the captive children of God. Yet they looked for God’s salvation and true to His word God kept His promise to bring them out.

Faith and Seeds

Today is no different. Faith during difficult times is hard work, just like planting seeds. A farmer’s life is not always easy. Often times I have seen the machinery in the field late into the night trying to beat the rain. Despite hot sun, long nights, and little sleep, the farmer perseveres to plant the crops. And in due time the seeds begin to sprout proving the worth of the hard work. With no seeds there is no crop!

So in life we can choose to persevere through difficulties while refusing to give up. God hears our late night prayers for deliverance, and sees our toil, sweat, and tears. And He will respond in His time. But those who choose to give up and abandon faith will be left with barren ground when harvest season comes around.

Sow in Tears Reap in Joy

I am glad to say that the farmer who farms our fields returned to plant more seeds. In due time, those seeds will grow and fill up the rest of our field with corn. So in God’s timing He will respond to our cries in the heat and long nights. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep planting, weary one. And soon you, like the returned Jewish captives, will leap with joy as you reap the harvest of your faith.

Sow in tears reap in joy!

Love,

Mama

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