Week 2
Psalm 126:5-6 “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.”
Weeping and sowing seeds are two radically different things to do. They seem to have nothing to do with each other. Sowing seed is work, a planned effort with the hope of a harvest. On the other hand, weeping often overwhelms and causes a condition in which we feel the weight of despair. In times of weeping, we can hardly do anything, let alone sow our seed. So, how does the Scripture speak of sowing in tears? How can you go sowing the seed of good work while tears stream down your face?
There are two large ideas profoundly prominent in this passage. The first is that we must not allow tears to be a reason to quit doing what is right. It is true that at times life can be so painful, so terrifying, and so sad that we feel squashed by it. Everything is crammed out of us, including joy, faith, hope, and the ability to get up and keep going.
But sometimes people use difficulties as an excuse to give up. At the slightest provocation, some lay down their tools and sit dejectedly, as if to say, “I’m done.” This passage speaks to us in such times. We must attempt to keep going, keep trying, and keep pressing on. If we have the ability to endure, we must do so.
And there is another idea that is so very encouraging in this passage. People are always watching our lives, and we testify about the Lord and His grace with the way we live. If people know that we are weeping, but they see us sowing our seed of goodness and love, then they will be amazed, and ask: “How can they keep sowing their seed while they weep?” Thus, sowing our seed while weeping in sadness, sorrow, and suffering bears powerful witness about the Lord to those who are watching our lives.
Christian friend, never forget that times of grief, sickness, and trouble are great times to show others the sustaining and supporting grace of God in our lives. Do not let the opportunity pass to show that by God’s grace we can keep going for the Lord, in spite of what we are enduring in this life.
No matter what, let us keep praying; no matter what, let us keep going to church; and no matter what, let us keep doing the best we can do with our responsibilities and duties. The Lord knows our needs, and He is mindful of our hurts. He will help us, and most assuredly He will use our lives and our testimonies for His glory to engender the praise and glory of God. Seed sown in times of weeping can be one of the most powerful moments of service that we will ever have.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to keep sowing the seed of Your word and love to others, even though my heart is breaking. Help me to not give up, but give me the strength to keep going and serving. Amen.