Sowing in Tears

13153221935_58034d137e_z“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 126:5-6

What does it mean to sow in tears? I’m sure there’s more than one way to interpret these verses, but one thing I think of as I read them is prayer.

We sow seed as we pray for those who have never come to faith in Christ. We sow as we pray for those who have drifted away from God and as we pray for the needs of our churches. But how earnestly do we intercede for these deep needs?

When was the last time our tears flowed or we experienced internal anguish as we prayed for a family member, a friend, or someone else’s loved one to give his or her heart to the Lord? When was the last time we wept over a people group deluded by a false religion? When was the last time we sowed in tears?

If we’re not careful, our prayers can be half-hearted or superficial. To sow in tears we must take time to care. We must open our hearts and love people. If we do this, their separation from God for eternity will surely drive us to our knees — and to tears.

So yes, we will feel sorrow, but the Word tells us we will also “reap with songs of joy.” And when it comes to the salvation of a soul, one song of joy will be worth a thousand tears.

“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers . . .” Romans 9:2-3

*Have you had the blessing of reaping with songs of joy after sowing in tears for someone?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out next week. Sign-up is free and to the right. Also have added the option to receive my blog posts by email as well as RSS feed now. See right sidebar.

*Update: Due to an unexpected family situation, I didn’t get to go on the Beautiful Feet Mission Trip I told you about in my last post.

*Flickr photo by MarLeah Joy, Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post. It speaks of Christ’s love for the lost, His church etc. I have been in tears for a lost family member. So glad I know the need in order to pray. Thanks.

  2. “We must take time to care…”

    So true.

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

  3. Laura Drumb says

    Once again, Cheryl, you have hit me between the eyes!! I also am praying for a lost extended family member, plus two others I believe know Truth but have chosen to turn their backs on Him. Yes, my tears flow for them & my heart aches for them to come to Him so I can rejoice in joy!! Will be praying for you, too.

  4. I came to your blog from Jon Acuff’s site. He has created a tremendous forum for sharing our blogs and impacting more people with them.

    I hope my blog can be an encouragement to you also.

    I write it for encouragement and motivation daily.

    http://i-never-fail.blogspot.com

    Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to watching the connections grow!

  5. A beautiful reminder about the investment of our tears. May they always pour forth genuine on behalf of a dying nation.

    peace~elaine

  6. Oh sweetie, I’m sad ya didn’t get to go on your trip, I hope everything is O.K. and all is well.

    Yes, I have seen many victories over those sowed tears.

    What a lovely post.

    God bless and have a magnificent day!!!

  7. Thanks, all, for your comments — each one is such an encouragement to me.

    Nezzy, yes, we are okay. The family situation is much better now. Thanks for caring!

  8. Your poignancy on being open to really feeling while in prayer is so spot on. It is easy to pray, but not always so easy to open yourself to being vulnerable while doing so. Excellent post, Cheryl.

    I’m glad to hear that your family situation is improving. ;)

  9. Anonymous says

    Thanku so much for this I’ve really been struggling with the thought that my family could be torn apart but I cried out to my king and he gave me this Amen he is everlasting Ilove him so much thanku my Daddy king!!

Leave a Comment

*