When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126
Psalm 126 speaks of sowing in tears, but reaping with songs of joy and carrying sheaves. A great reminder that even in captivity, the Israelites sowed, perhaps in tears because they realized their captors would be the beneficiaries. But God’s plan is that even in challenging and transitional times, when the sowing might be difficult, the result is left to God who brought back the captives, who has done great things for us, and who turned our tears into songs of joy.
Todd Daningburg of Northeastern Seminary, comments on Psalm 126 in an email dated September 18, 2010.