Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”
—Psalm 126:5
Scripture ReadingsPsalm 126 – A song of restoration, remembering God’s faithfulness.
Isaiah 43:1-7 – God's promise to redeem and gather His people.
Philippians 2:19-24 – Paul’s example of faithfulness in service.
Lent is a season of waiting, longing, and trusting in God’s faithfulness. Psalm 126 captures the tension between sorrow and joy--between what is broken and what God is restoring. The psalmist recalls times when God rescued God's people and prays for that deliverance to come again.
Isaiah 43 echoes this assurance:
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)
Even in exile, even in suffering, God’s love does not falter. God gathers God's people, not because they have earned it, but because God is faithful.
Lent reminds us that we are still in the “sowing in tears” phase. We repent, we fast, we wait. But resurrection is coming. As the poet Wendell Berry writes:
"Practice resurrection."
In Philippians, Paul speaks of Timothy, a servant devoted to Christ. Paul himself is in chains, yet he encourages the church, knowing that suffering for Christ is never wasted. Even in hardship, we serve, we love, we trust.
Theologian N.T. Wright reminds us:
"The point of the resurrection… is that the present bodily life is not valueless just because it will die. What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it."

Lenten ChallengeWhere in your life do you feel like you are “sowing in tears”? This Lent, hold onto the promise that joy is coming. Choose one act of faithful service this week—an act that anticipates resurrection.

PrayerFaithful God,
In our sorrow, remind us of Your joy.
In our waiting, remind us of Your promise.
Teach us to serve You with faith like Timothy,
To trust You like the exiles of old,
And to sow in hope, knowing we will reap in joy.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.