Reap in Joy

“Those who sow with tears,  will reap with songs of joy.”

Psalm 126:5

I love how the Bible uses analogies and parables. This verse follows the pattern of nature. The "tears" in the verse above can be seen as a difficult period, a time of famine, a time of little, a time of rain, no bearing of fruit. However, these seasons don’t have to be barren. There are lessons to be learnt in this season. Today we will pick this verse apart.

In nature, we know that winter is a good time to plant things; to sow. For those who are into gardening, you will know that winter is a time to plant bulbs in time for spring. It may be cold, wet, dark but in this season the germination is happening; important groundwork is taking place. Often the waiting time is difficult. Don’t miss the lesson. Don’t scoff at this period. This part of your experience is important for your growth.

When the season starts to turn to spring, we see signs of life in nature. Newness. Small green shoots - an outward demonstration of the germination that was taking place. This time is a time of joy. As time moves, there is even more growth and we are able to harvest what we have planted in the time of desolation; we are able to reap in joy. Here we see the literal fruit of our labour.

Both stages (and those minor in between) are important for us as human beings, and more so children of God. We all face challenging times that cause us to ask some very fundamental questions, questions that can invite a season of sowing. We search and sow knowledge of God, knowledge of ourselves, our circumstances and difficulties and choose to fortify our minds with God’s promises and maybe even shed some tears. However, the promise does not end there. There is a joyous ending. We reap the happy times, the times of plenty and prosperity - and this is worth it.

Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. “

Aren’t you grateful for the promises of God?

Here’s what He says to you today:

I am the God of all seasons, I have control over all things. The time of germination is necessary, you may not like it but I give you a promise that will not fail. You will reap in joy.

Pray this prayer today:

God, help me to hang on to your promises when things seem barren and dark. Help me to sow and be still knowing that I will reap in joy.