Psalm 126 (KJV): They that sow in tears shall reap in joy

From Psalms

Psalm 126
(A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.)

¹When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
      we were like them that dream.
² Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
      and our tongue with singing:
then said they among the heathen,
      The Lord hath done great things for them.
³The Lord hath done great things for us;
      whereof we are glad.

⁴Turn again our captivity, O Lord,
      as the streams in the south.
⁵They that sow in tears
      shall reap in joy.
⁶He that goeth forth and weepeth,
      bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
      bringing his sheaves with him.


As I pray over this psalm on the first eve of lent this psalm makes a lot of sense.  Lent, "40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting or abstinence" is a season, or period, of suffering.  A season where we, as Christians, have the opportunity to share some of the suffering that Christ went through when he went into the desert to fast for 40 days.  A season where we, through our abstinence, can demonstrate our trust in God through the refusal of temptation.

For me, this is a season of hope.  For hope, by definition, is expectation with confidence, the expectation of promise.  Planting a seed is an act hope.  Sowing, even in tears, should then also be done in hope.  Abstaining and suffering in honor of Christ shall also be done in hope.  A hope that God will renew us and save our lives.  A hope that we too can share in being the light of the world.  Of course, this hope, this expectation, cannot be planted without a faith that God can, and will, work in our lives.

God, be with those that are suffering, and give them hope.  Be with those who suffer as addicts.  Show them that there is a path to refusing the temptation.  Give them hope of a life that you intend for them.   As well, be with those who suffer at the hands of addicts.  We know that alcoholics have no control of their actions and hurt those around them - especially the people that love them the most.  Give hope to those people who suffer.  Give them the strength they need and show them mercy.  Especially for the those victims who are children, protect them and guide them.  Let them also plant seeds so their stories become ones of hope and inspiration.  Finally, God, when and where we see this suffering let us be your hands in this world.  Where we see this suffering let us be that hope.  Your hope - in Your son's name.  Amen.

Thanks for letting me share.