Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (Psalm 126:5)
Sowing and reaping are farming terms. The workers first sow the seed and only after much time that seed bears fruit and is ready to be reaped. Sowing comes before reaping. Psalm 126 is part of the “Songs of Ascent” which envision the day when God’s people come out of exile and live in their land once again under the rule of their Messiah. Exile came before restoration. Tears before shouts of joy. The pattern continues in the New Testament as Paul reminds Timothy that suffering with Christ comes before reigning with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).
In your sowing and in your weeping, don’t forget that God is purposefully using this season to prepare you for the joy that is to come. He even uses storms! Don’t be paralyzed by fear or intimidated by the pain of the present, but instead lean into the faithfulness of Jesus, who promises that that best is yet to come (1 Corinthians 15:53-55). So because of your certain future, continue to work hard for the Lord, empowered by His Spirit and motivated by His love. Continue to care for your children, show up and work hard in the workplace, provide for the needs of your neighbors. Ask God to grow in you a deep love for you community. Know that whatever you do for Jesus is not in vain.