Often, today’s blessings of spiritual growth have been abundantly watered by yesterday’s tears of repentance. The joy of deliverance only comes after the turmoil and tears of godly sorrow. The exuberant joy of Christ’s empty tomb was preceded by the dark travail of Calvary.
This truth is recognized in the final verses of Psalm 126. The joy felt by those who were returning from captivity came only after an abundant flow of tears. Hence, the psalmist’s declaration: “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” (vv. 5-6).
Because of the harvest of abundant joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the tremendous travail of the cross (Hebrews 12:2). A bountiful harvest of spiritual growth and victory requires sowing in tears.
How are you sowing?
