Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive JoySample

They who sow in tears

One Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting a flower-picking farm. The farm was a beautiful display of sunflowers, greenery, and farm equipment. While there, I couldn't help but think about the biblical principle of reaping and sowing, but in tears. Throughout redemptive history, we see God's most courageous servants often weeping when circumstances seemed hopeless. In the moments when they should have fully trusted the Lord's faithfulness and rested in Him, their spirits were instead bereft of hope as they pleaded with God to do what He had already promised—to give them victory.

Tears are often seen as a sign of weakness, but scripture shows us otherwise. They represent the release of inner conflict or pain that words cannot fully express. Even when words accompany tears, they reveal an ache that cannot be seen. Tears were also described as food during times of war and uncertainty. Throughout scripture, imagery of sackcloth and ashes depicts grief beyond words and a hunger that lacks physical desire. In 1 Samuel, Hannah wept bitterly as she wrestled with God in prayer because of her barrenness. David exclaimed, in Psalm 13:1-2 KJV 'How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? Forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"

Have you ever felt a pain so deep that tears are all you can offer? During prayer, worship, or conversation, you try to focus on God, but the tears come because you don't understand why. God honors our lament through tears. The Lord understands the pain behind the weeping. Tears, when released through prayer or grief, are usually an internal release, but more than that, they nourish the soil for future joy.

God has a plan for every part of our body, including tears. If you're overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control, relationships that have broken down, or financial struggles that leave you feeling trapped, trust God with your questions through prayer. Prayer is a believer's way of communicating, and it involves releasing our minds and hearts of questions and concerns, trusting that our Good God not only hears but will also act on our behalf.

You may be going through a situation that has cut you to the core, but that doesn't mean you can't bloom right where you are. Strengthen your faith in a faithful God while gaining experience of trust as you navigate uncertainty. Tears may have been your food, but you can still experience God's rest, peace, and your position of joy in Christ.

The Bible says the Lord collects our tears in a bottle. Those tears inevitably become the water for the soil of His promises for our future. You are seen and you are loved. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy is coming.

Be encouraged.