Planting with Tears

Even when obedience feels costly, “Planting with Tears” reminds us that faithful sowing in hard seasons leads to God’s promised harvest of joy and restoration.

“Restore our fortunes, O LORD … 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” (Psalm 126:4–6).

It can take a real step of faith to plant seeds into the ground. But farmers know they can’t have a harvest without sowing seeds. They simply must sow—no matter how they feel and no matter what is happening in their lives.

In our spiritual lives, it can be even more difficult to sow seeds—particularly if we have practical needs, we’re going through trials, or our circumstances seem hopeless. These are times when we must act on faith, not feelings, and plant our seeds sacrificially. There may be times when we don’t see immediate results, and we may even continue to experience problems after we’ve sown our seeds.

The psalmist wrote about this kind of situation. He described a time when the people of God were captives in a foreign land. They had sown seeds and believed God for deliverance. Yet nothing was happening, and there was no reason for hope.

Then their dreams were fulfilled! They may have planted in tears, but God delivered them. Though they had been filled with sadness, their mouths became filled with laughter and joyful shouting.

No matter what difficult circumstances you face, remember that you need to keep sowing seeds. God’s Word is true. He rewards those who act in faith. You will reap what you sow. If you sow into His Kingdom, you will reap a great harvest and celebrate with shouts of joy!

Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to sow faithfully despite tears?