Yes, the people had returned from exile. Yes, they had been able to rebuild the Temple. Under Nehemiah’s leadership, they had even been able to build a wall around Jerusalem – perhaps not sturdy enough to withstand a siege, but certainly strong enough to keep them safe from wandering marauders. They had great reasons for rejoicing (Psalm 126:1-2).

But at the same time, they remained captives in their own land. They were still under the governance of the Persian Empire, and had to pay taxes to support the pagan kings who ruled them. They thus remained in great distress (Nehemiah 9:36-37).

The image the Psalmist uses to describe their plight was that of someone sowing seed in a field with tears in his eyes (Psalm 126:5). Yes, he has a field to plant. Yes, he has seed to plant. Yes, he has great reason for hope. But at the same time, he can see no growth yet, no improvement in his condition. All he can see is the labor that stretches in front of him, and he wonders if his efforts will ever bear fruit. And he weeps because he remembers the ease and prosperity he used to enjoy.

Maybe that’s the way you feel today. Maybe during this COVID crisis you have lost your job or your health. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one. Or maybe the day-to-day struggle of making ends meet or caring for folks who aren’t getting any better is just wearing you down. You sow in tears, seeing no growth.

If that’s the case, do what the Psalmist did. Look back with wonder on your deliverance, not from exile in Babylon, but from bondage to sin and death by the finished work of Christ on the cross. Remember the great things that the Lord has already done for you (Psalm 126:3).

But then look forward with hope. For the same God Who promised for hundreds of years that a Messiah would come has kept that promise in the coming of Christ. So we can be sure that Christ will keep His promise to return, setting us free from the remnants of sin in our lives. And He will make all things right, cleansing the world of anything that stands in opposition to Him. On that day, we’ll be able to see the fruit of all the labor that we have done for His glory and for the good of others. On that day, we shall reap with joyful shouting (Psalm 126:5-6).

So, no matter how many tears we may shed today, let’s press on in faith and hope, assured of God’s great love for us today, and confident of His promises of a better world to come.

Psalm 126 (NASB)

When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.
4 Restore our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.