I’ve been reading and rereading the songs of ascent (Psa 120-134) recently. Psalm 126 served as a spiritual oasis for me today. Maybe a few of the things I jotted down in my journal will be helpful to you…
Those who sow in tears… (126:5)
It’s okay to cry. Tears have streamed down the cheeks of God’s people for many, many generations.
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing… (126:6)
Though we may, at times, be weary, worn, and heartbroken, we do not quit. There’s still work to do, needs to be met, hearts to be shaped, and differences to be made. Seed sown with tears very well may prove to be the most fruitful of all in the end.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb! (126:4)
My God can make water flow in the barren wilderness.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.” (126:2)
The way we endure matters. People are watching. Who knows how the Lord might use the suffering of his people to sober the lost and ultimately draw thirsty wanderers to himself?
Though the way ahead may be challenging, we should consistently take the time to look back and recognize…
The LORD has done great things for us. (126:3)
He sees. He hears. He knows. He is working. We can trust him. With everything.
We are glad. (126:3)
Though we may have chosen a completely different path were it up to us, even tears can be used to nourish the roots of joy deeply grounded in God. What a blessing to have a “we” when life is hard!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him. (126:5-6)
Sorrow and weeping have an expiration date. Harvest time is coming and with it, shouts of great joy.
And so we continue to sow and pray and reach for higher ground because the best is yet to come.