“Although we are weeping, Lord, help us keep sowing.”

Life is different, life is hard, and ministry can be hard. We could sit in this sadness and helplessness, but you and I know that wouldn’t be helpful. Not only would it be counterproductive, but God calls us to keep sowing, even while we are in tears. He is God of the harvest and He is BIGGER than any trial we face. I pray this psalm would open our eyes to see God’s goodness in the midst of the tears and trials. I pray we would be able to see a clear picture of God’s mercy and restoration. I pray it would urge us to keep going.

Take a moment to read this Psalm… meditate, journal, and reflect.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126

This Psalm is one of the 15 “Song of Ascents” that recalls a past account of God’s mercy on His people. It was likely written after an exile, in wondrous gratitude for God’s restoration. It is a praise for God’s mercy and restoration, and a prayer for a fresh show of mercy. It shows that God’s people may take encouragement from past events of mercy and pray for more of it.

There is no question that the climate we are living in is hard, confusing, and at times, tear provoking. How do we give shouts of joy during a time like this? Is there any hope to be found? How do we share God’s goodness and sow the seeds of His Kingdom while social distancing and for some, unemployed?

Well, sowing is just the work that has to be done, even when life is hard and brings us to tears. It’s an obedience that cannot be dependent on circumstances. It’s a posture of heart, that says “God I don’t know what I’m doing and this is hard, but I know you are good and you will deliver me, just like you brought your people out of exile.” If God was a God Who operated solely on circumstances, He wouldn’t love us on our worst days, yet He does.

Tears will not flow forever, but doing the work God has called you to do, will bring a harvest of blessing, either in heaven or on earth. The simple work of sowing will bring sheaves of harvest. All the flowing tears will be turned into joyous praise.

Here are some verses in both the Old Testament and New Testament about sowing and reaping.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

“And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, Genesis” 26:12

It is important to note that this kind of perseverance—one that is lasting, stands firm under trial, and sows while tears are flowing — only comes from drinking from the well that never runs dry, the well of salvation, which is only because of the blood of Jesus (“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14). It will never come from our own efforts or our own “enoughness” because we are fleshly and limited. It will only be because of the power of the Holy Spirit within the heart of the believer.

Reflection Question(s): How can you sow into someone’s life the truth about God and the qualities of Jesus? This could be friends, co-workers, children, grandchildren, parents, strangers, the delivery man, the cashier at Publix, etc. How can you point someone to truth today? Spend some time in prayer and ask God to lead you to sow seeds for His kingdom. Pray for perseverance and steadfastness that can only come from Him.

Today’s Worship Song: Psalm 126— Bilfrost Arts

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tIuxV8pTJk

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Urw2FGFCqSaPhhH9DpAzx?si=iUj6ArYVQpmO1M9vOt6Lgw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/psalm-126-feat-molly-parden/666989093?i=666989491

Please continue to send prayer requests my way! Also, if you have any questions about what you read today, or just want to chat, my email is: blrich1399@gmail.com

With Love,
Brooke