“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.” (Psalms 126:5, NASB)
All of us have work to do in our Christian lives. We have been entrusted with vocations, families, communities, friends, ministries, and more. As laborers in God's harvest, it is not always happy work. In fact, it can be quite painful.
Often, we find ourselves sowing in tears. You may be wearing yourself out praying for a lost coworker. Being godly amongst ungodly family members may be making things awkward. You may find yourself at odds with a difficult person in your ministry at church. You may be trying to raise God-fearing children in this godless world. You may be in the fight of your life against your own sin. The toil of life can be painful. But there is reward when harvest comes.
The Psalmist declares that the painful work of sowing will give way to a joyful harvest. Those who work in God's field must do so in faith. We must look to the promised harvest. With every pain of our labor we must remember the fruit to come.
Are your efforts for the Lord painful today? Though you sow in tears today, tomorrow you will reap with joyful shouting. Don't lose sight of the harvest.