PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 126
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)
The things that normally cause tears are wrong, bad, unfair or hurtful.
There’s something wrong if we don’t weep at injustice, grief or tragedy.
Tears are universal, a natural response to our messed up world.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Tears are not weakness, they are indications of deep strength and goodness.
Our inborn awareness that we were made for more than this.
We should weep for death, sickness, war, rape, violence, abuse, bullying etc.
We should hate the things that hurt anyone, and long for God’s better future.
Tears are not wasted; like seed they’re planted and one day will bloom.
We still weep for what is wrong, but through our tears we see Jesus…
Jesus has defeated the Enemy and overcome the curse that brings tears.
Jesus has reclaimed the throne, and is making things ‘very good’ again.
As a Jesus follower, I keep looking up, even when things are sad or bad.
One day, there will be no more tears, thanks to Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, you are working to restore all things, to make all things ‘very good’ again. Until then I will still hate what is bad, but I will not despair. For you have overcome the world!
Oh to reflect on what the Lord has done. Hindsight is 20:20. It is good to look back and see: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” He has. I may be focused on the next thing and forget what the Lord has accomplished. How often it could have been different! Lord forgive my ingratitude – when I consider what you have done for me Lord Jesus – how could I? Help me to trust and obey – for there is no other way – to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!
In my life I weep for our world, our families and even for myself. at times life seems bleak. Yet the Lord my God assures me that because of Jesus, we can be joyful for He is with His people and will save them. That is my hope. That is my song of joy for the joy of the Lord God is my strength.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.