Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6 NKJV
I recall the dark days of depression. I felt like I had fallen into a deep well with no way out. No one stood on the outside to rescue me. The surrounding walls prevented me from seeing the world. That’s how depression behaves. You only see yourself. You only look within, and there you find misery.
The only source of light comes from above. While imprisoned, I had to remind myself to look up or I would see no light at all.
Of course, you don’t have to suffer from depression to feel trapped. A myriad of circumstances can hold you captive. Any catastrophe can close in on you. The diagnosis that shakes you to your core. Along with it comes financial burdens. You ache for your husband who is in heaven. The longing for a child or grandchild whose life seemed too short. Being the sole caretaker for your parents or even your grandkids. The daily overwhelming loads a parent with a special need’s child must bear. The accident that drastically changed your life. The natural disaster that robbed you of everything and everyone dear to you.
In these seasons, hope vanishes. Light dims. We despair, and we weep.
Israel hit rock bottom when they were held captive in Babylon. They hung their harps on the willows and wept (Psalm 137:1-2). Joy was a forgotten memory as they longed for Zion.
No one knows the author or exact date of Psalm 126, but most theologians believe it was written during the time when some of the Babylonian captives were released. Others remained in bondage. Joy and laughter couldn’t be contained by those returning to their home land, but they prayed and wanted to encourage their brothers and sisters still in bondage believing their release was imminent. They assured their fellow countrymen that their tears were like seeds planted in fertile soil. Tears that would one day harvest joy. They couldn’t tell them when or how, but they could remind them of God’s faithfulness.
Sweet friend, I want to remind you about that same faithfulness today. God wants you to understand your weeping is planting a harvest. You may be sowing in tears right now, but hold on because the day will come when you will reap in joy. The darkness will give way to His light. The burden will be lifted. Hope will slip back onto the horizon. Keep looking above to Jesus, the light of the world. He whispers, “Trust Me.” We don’t understand, but God is working on us and for us. He has a purpose for our pain. We will come through rejoicing and praising Him. Keep your focus on Jesus.
Lord, morning is hard to face, but I know You see beyond today. I can only get through today with Your strength. I am totally relying on You to make it. I am also trusting in Your plan In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Psalm 126
HIKING THE TRAIL
I studied the word “sheaves,” and I discovered that it was the bundles of grain that had been harvested. God turns our messes into messages that we can share with others, scattering the grain to those in need. Who can benefit from your message today? Would you care to share in the comments?
RESOURCES
A devotional is like a snack of encouragement. I have compiled thirty of my most encouraging devotionals in my new book: Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious
Originally posted on March 16, 2020 @ 3:00 am