The bible says that joy comes in the morning, but it's hard to see that truth when you've experienced years of sorrow...when you've given your heart over and over again, only to get nothing in return. If you have a generous heart, you know exactly what I mean.
A heart of generosity compels us to give our all. It compels us to forgive freely…to help and encourage others…even at the expense of ourselves. It's quite exhausting actually. It almost feels futile. Why give to those who are unappreciative? Why sow seeds into others when we see nothing in return? Why should we continue to put our hearts on the line? Why should we continue to sacrifice?
I've felt those feelings many times before. I love to help and encourage others. I love seeing the good in people, even when no one else does. I love taking chances on people in faith. This is something that God has called me to do. But if I can be honest– it's hard.
It's hard being the one who puts their heart on the line. It's hard taking that leap of faith, especially when you're taking it by yourself. I've asked God, "Why me? Why do I have to be the one to take the risk? Why do I have to be the one to go through this?"
I can't say that He gave me an answer, but I can say that He gave me a promise.
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalms 30:5 NLT)
He told me that He would turn the situation around in my favor…that He would restore joy to my life. And that is exactly what He did.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. (Psalms 126:5-6 NLT)
Our tears are seeds!
I have no idea where you are in life. But if you are in a place where you've given your all, and you've seen nothing in return, allow the words of Psalms 30 and Psalms 126 to encourage you. Your pain is not in vain. Your tears are seeds planted for joy in your future. Weeping may be your present, but joy is coming.
This past week, I spent some time praising God for where I am now. I would have never thought I'd be here, but I am. The Lord has blessed me immensely...and I don't mean with material things. I mean that He has blessed me with things that money can't buy– joy, love, peace. But then, He reminded me of the journey that I went through to get here, and I felt compelled to share for anyone planting seeds of tears today.
I know how it feels to plant tears in relationships. As I sought healing for my marriage, I continued to love and pray for my husband, even when he didn't love me back. It sounds crazy to say, and even now, it's hard to share, but I do so knowing who God has called me to be. And I do so believing that my story might be able to help someone believing for restoration in their marriage or another area of their lives.
I didn't know why I had to go through the pain back then, but every tear I cried was a seed planted for joy. Those tears…led to the harvest that I am experiencing right now.
The tears you’re planting will produce a bountiful harvest of joy.
Maybe you're in a place where it feels like the sorrow will never end. If so, I want to remind you of the promises of God. This season...the season of pain…the season of tears and sorrow, has a time limit.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NLT)
Scripture says that there is a time to plant and a time to harvest… a time to cry and a time to laugh. So, if you have been in a time of weeping…a time of planting, just know that your harvest of joy is on the way.
This season of tears will produce a harvest like you'll never believe!
God is a man of His word. If you're believing for healing in your marriage, don't give up. If you're believing for a breakthrough in your finances, don't give up. If you're planting seeds for purpose or another area of your life, don't give up.
I don't know who you are, but I believe this message is for someone that's at their wits end...someone that feels like this journey isn't worth it. If that's you…I want to tell you to keep going. I know how hard it is, but I also know the harvest of joy that is found on the other side of this season.
Take a moment and think of where you are in life. What are you believing in God for? In what areas of your life have you been planting in tears?
Now…I want you to imagine your harvest. Imagine yourself or your relationships restored. Imagine yourself walking in purpose. Imagine living the life that you are believing God for. And then, remind yourself that God's plan is far greater.
God's plan is always greater.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)
We serve a God that can do infinitely more than we might ask or think. When He healed my marriage, He did things that I didn't even know were possible. He didn't just restore what we had, He gave us something new….something far greater…something we didn't even know to ask for.
God wants to do something greater in your life. He wants to take you beyond what you can imagine. He wants His plan to manifest in your life. But in order for that to happen, you have to wait on Him. You must be willing to fight through the tears, until you see your harvest. He will not let you down. Joy is coming.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I have been reminded that every season of tears is followed with a beautiful harvest. I have been reminded that even when my situation seems hopeless, you have an amazing plan for my life. So today, I am making the decision to lean into the plan that you have for me. I will follow you, even when it gets tough. I will trust you, because I know that you are working this situation out for my good. Thank you in advance for the harvest of joy that you've planned for me. Thank you for walking with me, and for never leaving my side. In Jesus' name, amen.
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