You May Be Crying Now, But Hold On For the Reward

Have you ever cried all day? Have you ever asked, Why does life have to be so hard? How often do you feel that way?

Psalm 126:5 tells us, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with a joyful shouting.” The word sow may remind you of the farmer who sows seeds months before he reaps a harvest. Bible Commentator John Piper wrote, [A] “field needs to be sowed. That is the way life is. I do not feel like it, but I will take my bag of seeds and go out in the fields and do my crying while I do my duty. I will sow in tears. If you do that, the promise of the psalm is that ‘you will reap with shouts of joy.’”

 Sowing in tears could refer to the hard work associated with any job we do or attitude we have.

• For a farmer, physical exertion is required as he plows through fierce weather.

 • The businesswoman may need grace to respond in a Christlike manner to a ferocious group of colleagues.

• Tears may represent a repentant heart, crying over sin.

• Frequently, our tears reflect a broken heart as we pray for those who need to turn their hearts to God.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” You may have hardship and pain but persevere in prayer and you’ll see the joyful harvest.

You’ll be stronger in faith, trust God more, and rely on Him to change your heart and mind — and the hearts of others. Our tears and difficulties won’t last forever, so be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7).

Adapted from “Shining Through the Psalms.” By Deborah Presnell, 2018. Available on Amazon