“Those who sow in tears, Shall reap in joy.
“He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,
“Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
“Bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6).
Written shortly after their return from Babylon captivity, this psalm pictures the
mixed emotions God’s people feel as they return to their homeland: both sadness
and joy.
They sowed the tears of sorrow when they were captives of the Babylonians, but
they are now reaping the joy of freedom after returning to their homeland. They are,
however, feeling some continuing sadness because not all of their countrymen have
been allowed to return.
This verse has been used, rightfully so, to picture a natural sequence of emotions
and consequences in the human experience; but, for the Christian, it can serve as an
especially powerful source of encouragement in any generation.
Even under Christianity, we are not always going to experience the joyful side of our
salvation: life can throw us some curve balls of hurt and suffering along the way.
But, if we maintain a faithful relationship with God, there will be those days of joy
promised in the scriptures—either in this life or in the life to come.