Nov
7
Sowing With Tears
Filed Under Devotional
I love how God speaks directly into my situation. I’ve been feeling wistful for a different era with different values lately and then, I come across this Psalm:
“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.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126
The writer remembers happier days when people were happy and euphoric at the prospect of following God and worshipping Him. Then he asks God to restore the fortunes of Israel.
I sometimes feel like I’m part of a slowly shrinking group of people who believe in discovering truth and declaring it clearly. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder if it’s worth standing your ground. One can start to wonder if the culture wants to hear absolute truth anymore.
Then, this Psalm reminded me how this works. It says that those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. I should not wallow in my frustration or disappointment. I should shake my fist at the culture and withdraw.
I should take my tears and sow. I should sow the truth and the Gospel. I should work hard at planting the seeds. I should continue to make myself useful to Him.
Then, we will reap joy.