Joy In The Midst of the Journey

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”
—Psalm 126:5

Scripture ReadingsPsalm 126 – A song of hope, recalling God’s past deliverance.
Isaiah 43:8-15 – God declares His power and faithfulness.
Philippians 2:25-3:1 – Paul commends Epaphroditus, a faithful servant.


Lent is a season of looking backward and forward—remembering where God has brought us from and trusting where He is leading us. Psalm 126 speaks of a people who had been in exile, weeping, waiting, and longing for restoration. Yet their tears were not the final word. God brought them home, and their sorrow turned to joy.
Isaiah 43 reminds us of why this happens: because God is who He says He is. The passage paints a picture of a God who rescues, who leads, and who declares, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King” (Isaiah 43:15). This is not a distant or indifferent deity but an active and involved Redeemer.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives us a tangible example of faithfulness in the real world. He speaks of Epaphroditus, a man who risked his life for the sake of the Gospel. Epaphroditus was not a prophet or king—he was simply faithful. He served where God placed him, even in suffering.
Today, we might think of healthcare workers who exhausted themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, or aid workers who serve in war-torn regions. Their work is demanding, sometimes heartbreaking, but it is not in vain. They are sowing in tears, and God promises that one day, they will reap in joy.
Theologian Walter Brueggemann writes:
"Hope is the deep conviction that God has not quit."
This is the heart of Lent: even in the wilderness, even in suffering, God is still working.

Lenten ChallengeWhere in your life do you need to be reminded that God has not quit? How can you, like Epaphroditus, serve faithfully even in difficulty? This week, reach out to someone who is struggling—offer a word of encouragement, a prayer, or an act of kindness.

PrayerGod of hope,
When we are weary, remind us of Your faithfulness.
When we weep, remind us that joy is coming.
Help us to serve You with courage and to trust
that You are always working for our redemption.
Through Christ, our Lord, Amen.