Sowing in Tears and Reaping in Joy

Holding a bundle of joy

Sowing in Tears-Reaping in Joy

Community Journal and Kerrville Daily Times Article


Have you ever had a tear filled day? Maybe you had a challenge that brought you to tears? Perhaps you lost someone you loved. Could it be that you feel like giving up on life? Might I suggest that in those times and on those days, you become a farmer. There is no way we are going to get a different result from what we are encountering unless we sow into what we desire. It is vital that we plant the right seeds in this season in order to reap the crop we want. The word sow means to do something that will eventually bring about a particular result. 

Rice field in Bali

What do you need right now in your home, business, and life? Are you frustrated that you do not have it? Are you sowing any seeds to obtain what you want? One of life’s basic principles is that of sowing and reaping. My new husband was a farmer in south Texas for a number of years. We have had numerous conversations about farming that I have enjoyed. Each year he said he carefully chose seed from reputable dealers that had a proven history of producing excellent crops. Choosing the right seed was very important to his future. He said if you do not sow good seed, you have little hope of harvesting a good crop. Whether we realize it or not, we are always planting some kind of seeds around us in our homes and business and relationships.

I recently was reading Psalms 126:6 which says, “Those that sow in tears, will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” I had written a date next to this scripture several years ago, to remind me to sow into my future. Even in my time of great sorrow and tears, I needed to keep moving and plant into others and my life so that one day in the future, I would reap a good crop. If you are in a season of sorrow or distress, start planting! Responding in the opposite of what what we are experiencing is important. 

I needed comfort, laughter and joy because the grief of losing my husband was enormous. I began to look for ways I could make people laugh, especially those that were going through trials. I looked for ways I could bring joy into others lives. I also looked for opportunities to comfort others. Scripture tells us even in our darkest hours, choosing to sow, we will not just reap, but reap with songs of joy and an abundant harvest.

If you are dealing with a lot of drama in your life, it would be wise to sow seeds of peace. Say and do things that will be a blessing to others that are causing the unrest and discord. I was listening to a woman a few months ago talk about her life. There was lots of discord in her life; however, as I listened, I could see that she constantly sowed seeds of contentiousness and yet wondered why there never seemed to be peace in her life.

Enjoying Truett after the dove hunt

Not long ago, I was in a discussion with a someone. The person must have been going through a difficult time as they were grumpy, and their tone, demeanor and words were sharp. I could have quipped back, however, I carefully chose seeds of kindness and looked for ways to help them and satisfy them instead of being offended and defensive. The atmosphere changed and the results were very beneficial.

Reaping in joy-Collins Elise and Mama Max

Financially giving what we have, when we need a financial blessing is important. Years ago, my late husband and I were going through a stressful time financially. Every penny mattered and there just did not seem to be enough for our family of five. We purposed to give to God and helping others. Even putting $5 to $10 seemed like hundreds to give away in our time of distress to make ends meet. However, we were faithful to give and over and over in our lives, God blessed us. You cannot out give God! 

Galatians 6:7-8 warns, “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. The I challenge you to carefully select and examine the seeds you are sowing in your life and those around you. Choose seed of kindness, love and blessings. You may not see the crop immediately, but you will reap what you sow.

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. She can be heard on Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am on The REV FM, 94.3. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com