SOW IN TEARS; REAP WITH JOY

Psalm 126:1-6 / Keywords 126:5

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

 

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,

    we were like those who dreamed.[b]

2 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.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us,

    and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord,

    like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them.

Footnotes

a. Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to

b. Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health

c. Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

 

1. The Lord has done great things (1-3). When the captives returned to Zion after a long exile, it was like a dream. But their captivity was indeed over. They were free. The Lord did great things for them. They were filled with unspeakable joy. We Christians are joyful because we who were slaves of sin and death have been set free by God's grace. The Lord has done great things for us. His name is glorified among all who see our changed lives.

 

2. Those who sow in tears (4-6). Although God's people never lose their basic joy, there is a time for weeping. When we become aware of sins that hurt God's heart, it is time to weep and to repent. When we see how sin devastates those for whom Christ died, it is time to weep and to plant gospel seeds. Sometimes we experience painful rejections or indifference. But if we go out weeping and carrying the seed of the word, we will return with songs of joy.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to sow your word of life and trust you for the harvest in your own time.

One Word Sow in tears; reap with joy