Joyful Reaping

Even when life is hard, joyful reaping comes to those who keep sowing seeds of faith, trusting God for the harvest to come.

“Restore our fortunes, LORD … Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting. One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”—Psalm 126:4–6 NASB

It was a time of relief and gladness. God’s people had returned to their homeland. Their mouths were “filled with laughter” and their tongues “with joyful shouting.” They wanted the “nations” to know that “the Lord has done great things for them” (v. 2).

These developments seemed hard to believe, and they felt “like those who dream” (v. 1). As they experienced restoration, God’s Word reminded them of the “bag of seed” they carried (v. 6). This seed symbolized everything in their lives—what they possessed during their exile and what they gained upon their return. It included their abilities, talents, skills, resources, families, and material possessions.

Although God promised they would “harvest with joyful shouting,” they needed to be faithful to sow the seeds they were carrying. As they sowed, they would surely reap a great harvest and bring their sheaves with them. They would be able to “come again with a shout of joy.”

All of us know what it’s like to experience life’s sorrows and tears. The Bible teaches that we should continue to invest what God has given us and sow seeds into His Kingdom. Even when our circumstances seem dismal, we must continue to trust the Lord, realizing that those who sow seeds will reap in joy.

Today, remember to press on in the face of your challenges. Don’t give in or give up, but continue sowing the resources that God has given you.

Reflection Question: What are you sowing today that could lead to joyful reaping later?