Daily Power #334

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy. (Ps. 126:5–6)

While we’re not sure who wrote the psalm from which today’s passage is taken, clearly it was written after the people of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity. They had been enslaved by the proudest, most violent and pagan culture at the time and had finally been set free. There must have been so many tears during their captivity—and so many after their liberation as they rejoiced and praised God for delivering them.

It’s hard to imagine our tears as an offering to God, but the psalmist clearly thought they could be. We’re told to sow them as seeds in order to produce a harvest of joy. Our tears can produce growth and maturity leading to a stronger, deeper faith in God. We can grow into someone who sings with joy despite whatever hardships we may endure.

Your tears bring growth. If you’re hurting, wounded, or see an injustice, don’t hold back. Let your heart open before God as you shed tears. If you have sinned against God, cry out in repentance. Worship with your tears and make them a sacred offering.

Tears open us to healing our hurts as well as cleansing our hearts after we sin. The good news is that when we sow in tears, we reap with joy. Notice the text doesn’t say happiness; it says joy.

Happiness is based on happenings.

Joy is based on God’s goodness.

Power Lift

Lord, I lift my tears to you today. Heal my heart and forgive me of my sins. I seek you as my light so that my seeds of sadness will blossom into shouts of joy.