October 26, 2018
Psalm 126 New Living Translation (NLT)
Life does not always serve up the experiences we would choose, but abiding in the midst of those times is our greatest opportunity to experience the joy of a harvest. There is much about life we do not control; yet, we can choose how we will react in those times. We do have the power of the Spirit available to help us control our souls—minds, will, and emotions. The Apostle Paul teaches us to sow to the Spirit as opposed to sowing to the flesh; we will reap a harvest if we don’t quit (Gal. 6:8-9). Sowing seed is about believing the Word of God is truth; the Word is the seed. If we obey the Word, we are promised a harvest of righteousness. Do you realize you can sow to the Spirit even your disappointments, sorrows, and loss by placing them into the fertile ground of God’s love and trusting him?
In our passage today, the Israelites had been captives for years until the Lord set them free and brought them back home. They sowed those years of captivity in the fertile ground of God’s love and in time the Lord brought them back and restore them in every area of their lives. Sowing can be financial seeds and we need to obey God’s Word to give to the work of his kingdom, but sowing is much broader than that according to Scripture. If you are experiencing disappointments and challenges in life, take time right now to sow them by giving them to God in prayer. Leave them in his care and trust him, because sowing any seed into the kingdom can only produce good things in return. When we sow in our lack, we harvest from God’s generosity.
Psalm 126 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Prayer: Lord, in the midst of my life, I have planted many seeds in tears, but you have always brought a harvest of good things in return. I will continue to obey your Word and look for a harvest of joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.