May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” vs. 5
Psalm 126:4-6
Those who are accustomed to live each day with praise and thanksgiving in their hearts understand the powerful role that suffering plays in a well-rounded and healthy life. We have been created with the capacity to cry, not just to cleanse our eyes, but to give evidence of deep feelings, sometimes of joy, but more likely of pain and sadness. In other words, God intends for us to shed tears! It’s not true that “big boys don’t cry!” All people can and should–it’s a part of what makes us human. So when we get hit with bad news or experience suffering it is completely natural for tears to flow. Quite literally, the shedding of those tears is the first step on the road to healing. As the psalmist put it, “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” There is no benefit in stifling our pain and acting as though nothing is wrong–followers of Jesus should discard the notions of machismo picked up from culture, and remember instead that shortest bible verse, “Jesus wept.” Well-watered gardens produce the most brilliant blooms and abundant crops. And when we allow our hearts to be irrigated with nutrient-laden tears, we can expect that spiritual fruits will abound. Tears are wiped away and are replaced by smiles and laughter–and it’s all a part of our divine programming!
Thought for the Day: How common were tears in my family?
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