Sowing in Tears

I've always loved getting my hands dirty. I mean literally getting them dirty with garden dirt. Apparently its hereditary because my mom, my sister and my brother have the same love. Every year I anxiously await the time when my Ohio garden thaws out from the winter freeze so that I can begin to till the soil and prepare it for the seeds that I will plant. I know I should wear gloves to protect my hands, but that takes some of the fun out of it for me. I just like the feel of the dirt between my fingers. If you're in my neighborhood in the springtime, you'll very likely see me on my hands and knees planting sunflower seeds, zinnia seeds, and marigold seeds. I love covering them up and watering them. Then I wait for the blooms. What a reward!

The Israelites used to sing a song about sowing a different kind of seed as they journeyed to the temple to celebrate various festivals in remembrance of grace of God. Psalm 126 was one such song.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy,
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:3,5-6 NIV)

What were the Israelites sowing and why were they crying? They probably weren't referring to actually putting seeds into the ground. I feel they were equating the seed to the Word of God (refer to Luke 8:11, I Peter 1:23). If you sow the seed of the Word of God into your heart through personal Bible study and hear biblical teaching, you are working toward a harvest of joy. After all, a seed is alive and very powerful. However, it cannot grow until it has been planted. That's where the tears come in.

If you are grieving the loss of a dear loved one or even if you are dealing with other types of loss in your life, you understand the reference to crying all too well. The tears come at unexpected and sometimes unwelcomed times. The tears come when you don't want to meditate on God's Word or get out of bed and face a new day. But, you do it anyway. You do the hard thing because you want to heal and move forward. As you live an obedient life following the Lord your God, you are sowing in tears. Each seed you plant is watered by teardrops. Blessed one, because of your obedience, you will once again have joy.

Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Luke 6:21 NIV)

Notice that Jesus didn't say you will have a positive outlook. He didn't say you will grin sometimes. He didn't say you will appreciate a good joke. He said you will LAUGH. I believe He meant you will laugh out loud. You will won't be able to keep yourself quiet. You will jump for joy.

Remember that a seed takes time to grow so don't be discouraged. Also remember that a seed is very tiny compared to the size of the plant it produces. It may seem that reading the Bible is a very small thing to do to bring about healing for your broken heart. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the size of your grief. Be assured that this tiny seed will grow huge and overpower the pain you are experiencing. So my friend, get your hands dirty and plant some seeds. Great will be your harvest!

Journaling Ideas

1. What is preventing you from spending time in God's Word?

2. Describe you plan to incorporate more of the Scriptures into your everyday life.

3. What evidence have you seen of God in your life?

4. Describe a time when you couldn't keep from laughing out loud. Talk about your desire to have that feeling again.

5. Read Psalm 19:14. How can you apply this verse to your life?

Your Grieving Toolbox

Today's tool is probably obvious to you by now. Even though it's a tool we have referred to in the past, it is worth taking out and sharpening because of its importance. Of course this tool is Bible intake. Take time to evaluate your daily and weekly schedule to see where you can spend more time in God's Word. Remember that Bible intake encompasses more than Bible reading. It includes Scripture memorization, listening to Biblical preaching and teaching, and meditating on the Word. Before planting the seed of the Scripture, begin with prayer. Ask God to till your heart and mind so that the seed can take good root. And yes, go ahead and water that seed with your tears.

My dear favored one of Jehovah, I pray that your will be able to feel the sun of righteousness that is rising to bring healing to your heart as you revere the very Word of God. May you find yourself running and jumping and leaping just like a young calf who has been released from his stall. I pray that your weeping will only last for the night and that your joy will come in the morning. (based on Malachi 4:2 and Psalm 30:5)