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.

" ¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
¹⁸ But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
¹⁹ to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine."
Psalm 33:17-19

There are times when we seem to be drifting, everything seems to be heading for failure. No matter how hard we try, things aren't going well. It's at these times that we should stop looking for "earthly solutions" and turn our eyes upwards!

Are we putting God into our struggles, or do we only call on him when we've exhausted all our alternatives to try to solve our problems? Even with dedication and willpower, our victory comes from God! We may have strength, talent - even financial means - but without God, there is no chance of salvation.

God is faithful to protect us, even in times of scarcity. Trust in him, because the Lord protects those who fear him!

Call on those who make a difference!

• Seek God's presence, and ask for his direction.
• Having good conditions is not a sign that we are doing well. Seek God even more!
• If things aren't going well, cry out to Him! God is ready to hear your voice and wants to do great things in your life. Don't put it off.

Pray:

Lord, take care of me! Without you, everything I do is unsafe. My strength is limited and only your presence can make a difference in my life. Guide me with Your mighty hand. In Jesus' name, amen!