Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy
What can you do when the soil of your life seems hard and unyielding? What can you do when it seems your hard work and labours are fruitless? The psalmist in Psalm 126 speaks of weary pilgrims who sow their seed in tearful labor.
The psalmist begins with a call to remember the good times with the Lord (126:1-3). The Lord had brought the people back from captivity to the land of the promise and their joy was immense (1,3). The people walked in such a state of joy that they could hardly believe that the day had finally come (2). There was joyful shouting and laughter. Even the pagan nations around them acknowledged the marvellous work of God to bring them back into the land (2).
The psalmist calls his readers to remember the works of God on their behalf as they struggle in the present (4-6). The bloom quickly left the rose and the people realised that their situation in the land was precarious and extremely difficult. Their joy faded into tears as they were frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged (5-6). The psalmist asks God to restore the joy that they experienced earlier, as sudden as the rains of the southern Negev (4). The psalmist reminded the people that even in the midst of dark days God would continue to provide for His people. Their sowing would lead to joyful reaping in the days ahead.
While the New Testament church has no land promises like the nation of Israel. (Gen 12,15,17), our Lord has promised that when we go through tearful trials there will be a time of refreshment (1 Pet 5:10). Brethren, remember God’s great works on your behalf in the hard times and rejoice in your God and Saviour.