In Psalm 126:5-6 David said, “Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting. He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves [harvest] with him.”
Some of you might be wandering what does these passages of text actually mean? Well, this Psalm is a Psalm of restorative joy. In the preceding verses we find that God restored the fortunes of Zion and their response was one of Joy and laughter.
John Piper’s interpretation was spot on. Here’s what he said, “When there are simple, straightforward jobs to be done, and you are full of sadness, and tears are flowing easily, go ahead and do the jobs with tears. Be realistic. Say to your tears: ‘Tears, I feel you. You make me want to quit life. But there is a field to be sown (dishes to be washed, cars to be fixed, sermons to be written). I know you will wet my face several times today, but I have work to do and you will just have to go with me. I intend to take the bag of seeds and sow. If you come along then you will just have to wet the rows.”
Sometimes, in order to move forward and accomplish or complete what needs to be done you have to speak to your tears! You have to be tenacious, steadfast and immovable!
Beloved of God, I am thankful! I am thankful for the life God has given me. Am I equally excited when my life becomes complicated and difficult? I’d have to honestly say absolutely not! I so would prefer that I’d never experience darkness, evil or loss. But even so, I wouldn’t change for one instant how God use negative circumstances to shape the core of my life, how He faithfully pursue me, sustains me, provides for my family, and continues to lead me forward!
The bottom line is hard days come and go; however I can’t quit! I have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have to trust the truth in this Psalm! When despair threatens to overcome me and drown me, I must remind my tears that God will faithfully maintain His steadfast hold on my life and at some point shouts of joy will come again!
4GIVEN 