"Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest."
Psalm 126:4-6 NLT
It can take a real step of faith to plant seeds.
Farmers know a harvest cannot come
without sowing seeds, no matter what it feels
like, and no matter what is happening at the
time.
Spiritually it can be even more difficult to
sow seeds, particularly for practical needs,
during trials, or when circumstances are
hopeless.
These are times when faith must act, not
feelings, and the seeds are planted
sacrificially.
Seeds may need to be sown during dis-
couraging circumstances or suffering.
There may not be immediate results and
problems may continue after the seeds
are sown.
The psalmist wrote about this kind of
situation. He described a time when the
people of God were captives in a foreign
land. They had sown seeds and believed
God for deliverance. Yet it seemed like
nothing was happening and that there
was no reason to even hope.
Then their prayers were answered and
God delivered them. Even though they
were sad, their mouths became filled
with laughter and joy.
No matter how difficult the circumstances,
God's Word is true. He rewards whoever
acts in faith. Sowing into His Kingdom, will
reap great harvests!
