Daily Devotional

"Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them."
Psalm 126:5-6

The "law of sowing" or the planting rule is a concept that is covered a lot throughout the Bible. Jesus taught several parables about the sower, types of soil and seeds (like the mustard seed, for example). Paul also said (in Galatians 6:7) that "A man reaps what he sows.". From these and other references, we can see that, in all areas of life, we reap what we sow.

Today's psalm tells us about a different aspect of planting. It's the only place in the Bible where a different kind of harvest is mentioned to the one of planting. The law of sowing here is wrapped up in the grace and mercy of the Lord who sustains all things! God grants those who sow with tears (humility, trust and contrition) to reap their sheaves full of joy (happiness, contentment and satisfaction)! Entrust your seed to Jesus who can transform a small seed into many sheaves. He can also turn your weeping into joy!

Even with tears and difficulties, sow your seed:

• Planting is related to trust. Give your plans to the Lord and trust that He will do everything.
• Pray to God constantly, and ask Him to sustain and direct you in all your life's purposes.
• God gives birth and growth, but you have to plant! Work hard and be cheerful!
• After sowing with faith, pray and wait patiently on the Lord.
• Ask God for guidance so that you will always bear good fruit, through the action of His Spirit in your life.
• The Word of God is the Good Seed. Share the Gospel with others around you.

Pray:

Lord, help me to plant seeds with faith and hope in you. May I trust that You sustain all things and that You sustain my life, my family, and all my dreams. Even when I'm weary, tired or beaten down by the wear and tear of life or the strain of work, may I continue to plant good seeds. May these seeds produce good fruit that will remain, for the blessing of many and your glory, in Jesus' name! Amen.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”."

Joshua 1:9

This was God's word of encouragement to Joshua when the people of Israel were about to enter the promised land. After the death of Moses, Joshua was newly responsible for leading the Israelites into their promised land. In front of thousands of people and without the company of their great leader, it was natural for Joshua to feel fearful or alone.

With the great challenges ahead, such as the battles to conquer Canaan, it would be reasonable to expect that Joshua would need to receive instructions for war, military strategies, or training to attack fortresses. But no. Joshua received what he needed most: encouragement, strength from God, and the certainty that the Lord would always be with him...

What great courage and strength we too can feel! The God who created the whole universe is by our side, helping us in our daily struggles.

With Jesus in your life, you can have this security and never feel alone! He is with you, wherever you are!

What do you need most today?

• Believe that all you need most is God's presence with you!
• If you feel fearful in the face of any struggle, believe that God is by your side.
• Pray to the Lord, trust Him with your life and all your projects.
• Seek God's guidance through the Bible, read, reflect, and believe.
• Fill your heart with faith and security.
• Trust in the Lord and He will help you in your daily struggles.

Pray:

Lord God, I know that you are present at all times. Help me to trust that everything I need most is in you. I believe that because you are with me, I don't need to fear evil or the problems that may come my way. Make me strong and courageous to win this day, with you by my side. Amen!