Those Who Sow in Tears

If renewal begins before growth appears on the surface, there is a message from the God of all creation to mankind.

This is the essence of the Christian faith as brought out in Hebrews 11:1-2. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.”

The most important work happens before results appear on the surface.

So, what does this mean for the struggles one goes through and the tears that one sheds along the way?

Psalm 126:5 offers a sharp answer: "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”

It does not say "maybe" or “if” but “shall” or “will.” That is a covenant promise that is available to all who believe in God and His Word.

Psalm 138:2: "For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.”

In this context, the tears are not the goal. Rather, it is the deliberate action of sowing that accompanies the tears. It requires engaging with the ground as it is, not as one wishes it to be. The absence of ideal situations or circumstances does not absolve one of personal responsibility. This verse does not say that those who cry will feel better. It, however, says that those who accompany their tears with an intentional action of sowing into the kingdom of God will eventually reap with shouts of joy. The tears are present, which means there is no denying the reality of the situation.

Sisera’s mother cries for a son who was not coming home. Her son was killed by Jael. Her tears, though real, only preserved an illusion. The truth and the reality were something else that she needed to accept. Judges 4:1-24; 5:28-30

Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, wept because she thought her story was over. She waits, resignedly, for the death of her son. Her tears were tears of resignation. Genesis 21:16

Joseph’s tears on seeing his brothers after years were real; they were tears of separation. Genesis 42:24; 43:29-30. But Joseph’s tears in Genesis 45:2 were tears of bridging the gaps, tears that brought reconciliation to a family.

These examples are intended to show us that tears are a natural part of life.

However, Rachel's tears were different. Her tears did not preserve an illusion, nor were they of resignation. Her tears were a moral resistance, bound to responsibility and insistence on a future envisioned by God for her and her generations. Rachel weeps for her children and refuses to be comforted. She does not deny exile or soften the loss, but she also refuses to accept it as final. Her tears are not passive; it is a protest until God comes through on His covenant word.

God’s response to Rachel’s tears is insightful. He does not say, “I understand your pain.” He says, “There is a reward for your work.” Jeremiah 31:15-17

The Bible calls Rachel’s tears “work” because they are tied to responsibility and insistence on a future that lines up with who God is.

Tears alone accomplish nothing. Tears that accompany planting in faith change the world. Redemption does not begin when circumstances are ideal. It begins when people act in faith, even when circumstances are difficult. Crying does not exempt anyone from responsibility. It accompanies it.

Rachel’s tears are not presented as an emotional release. They are a resistance to the status quo. The situation is unacceptable. Her nation stares at a national loss and exile. Because she refused to accept the norm, her tears are answered.

If you want to return with shouts of joy, you must sow in faith. Redemption calls you to act in faith, trusting God and His unchanging Word. The tears are real, but they are not the goal. Faith is not optimism. It is an action taken when outcomes are not guaranteed in nature. But in God’s eyes, it carries great rewards in eternity. This is the faith of the patriarchs, the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3

While God cares for us and displays deep emotions (Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus; Jesus displays a righteous anger in clearing out the temple; Jesus cries, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"), He is not moved by fickle human feelings and emotions. He understands what His people go through in life and is close to the broken-hearted. What moves His heart is faith and obedience to His Word. It is therefore the call of every child of God to align with God's Word. Sow in tears, believe there is a harvest coming. Continue to walk by faith, not by sight.

What tears are you shedding today? Is it because you are not getting your way?

Or is it because God and His Word are not being upheld? (Psalm 119:136).

In line with the truth of Psalm 126:5, what will you sow with your tears, believing for a time when you will return with shouts of joy?

This is the ascent of the people of God, all those who desire to climb His holy hill.