What We Sow in Tears, We Shall Reap with Joyful Praise
Scripture Passage: Psalm 125:1-126:6 (NASB)
1 Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but remains forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time and forever.
3 For the scepter of wickedness will not rest upon the land of the righteous,
So that the righteous will not extend their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, Lord, to those who are good
And to those who are upright in their hearts.
5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways,
The Lord will lead them away with those who practice injustice.
Peace be upon Israel.
1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
We are joyful.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting.
6 One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
SUMMARY
The psalmist declares that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which remains forever and that the Lord surrounds His people forever as the mountains surround Jerusalem. The psalmist recollects when the captives returned to Jerusalem and reveals the laughter, joy and peace that overcame His people. And because the Lord has done great things, the psalmist is joyful. God’s word reminds us that even when we sow in tears, we shall harvest with joyful shouting, bringing the sheaves with us.
REFLECTION
Just to think that I am surrounded forever by God Himself, gives me such sense of protection and love. It makes me think back to when God’s presence went with His people in the wilderness by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:22). But just like the Israelites who were dubious and complained of what they didn’t have despite God’s provision, I too, complain and fail to see God’s mighty hand upon me, our family, our situation and His people. I realize that truly the Lord has done great things in my life and I should be joyful (psalms 126:3).
My weeping and yearning for God’s deliverance, answers to prayers and salvation is soon to be met with good harvest, so I determine to keep trusting and awaiting for a time of harvest.
APPLICATION
I really need to go back to thanking the Lord for surrounding me and my loved ones with so much grace and acknowledge the great things He has done for me. He has restored my soul with His words.
“Waiting” must be the hardest thing for me to do these days. One of the reasons is that “waiting” seems so futile, inefficient and occasionally boring. It’s easier to wait for things that are more realistic in our lives but when it requires waiting in prayer, waiting patiently and waiting for God’s perfect time, that’s where the anxiety builds up and I want to take the reins of this life under my control.
Especially when the growth is not visible and there’s no inkling of reaping of the fruit in our lives, it gets incredibly challenging to hold on to faith. But once again, I submit to His timing and His will, daily dying to my selfish ways and acknowledging that His way is best for me. I need to keep sowing in prayer with tears and allow the Lord to bring in the harvest to His glory, in His time. So whenever I start fretting or want to take matters I to my own hands, I will take a step back and give thanks to the Father who protects me, surrounds me and who uses my tears for good that I may harvest in joy one day.
PRAYER
Thank you Father for Your love and grace that constantly sustains and surrounds me. Thank you for Your patience with me especially. Forgive me for my impatience with You and others. I submit to Your will and Your timing. I desperately need Your help to pray through the process with joyful tears and not be anxious for the matters ahead. I want to only fear You and obey You, and not man. The harvest is coming, I can not wait...You reign with all power and glory, I love You Lord.
In Jesus Name, amen.
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