We’ve all heard phrases like, “Wow, that company is really going places,” or “That person is going to the top of the ladder,” or “I wonder where they are going.” Everyone seems to be going some place to do something. But what matters most is where they are going and what they are going to do when they get there.
Christians have responded to Christ’s “come” and when we do we are commanded to “go!” with the specific responsibility to “make disciples.”

The Psalmist was very direct when he addressed this “come” and then “go.” He described it in these terms: “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
When we “go” we are to “sow.” God gave us the “seed,” which is His Word for a purpose: We are not to store it in sacks in a warehouse, but to plant it in the hearts of those who are still seeking Him. Our hearts may become heavy and tears may fill our eyes. But there is the assurance that our tears will be changed into songs of joy because His Word is true and will not return to Him void - without results. We are to sow the seed He gives us and allow Him the honor of the harvest - whatever that may be. Because it is His seed, we may never understand or know what the harvest will be. Though the work may be laborious and the results uncertain, the Lord will be with us wherever He leads us and will bless what we do for Him.

The assurance of God’s blessing is a word of encouragement that He offers us to be responsible “sowers of His seed.” We are not to sit idly by and wait to see the results. We are to go and sow and pray and leave the harvest to Him. And surely there will be a harvest if we are faithful “sowers.” He promises that we will return from the field singing songs of joy bringing His sheaves with us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to follow Your command - Your orders - to be faithful “sowers” of the “seed” and trust You for the results. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

One day, John promised us, “God will wipe away all tears.” Sickness and sadness, sorrow and suffering - whatever causes people pain or problems - will be gone, banished forever. We all look forward to that special day!

So it is strange that David said that “God will record my sorrows, and list my tears on His scroll and in His record.” Whatever could be God’s reason for doing this to David? And might He do the same for us? Does it make sense that God would make a permanent record of grief - David’s grief and our grief as well?

God knew of David’s suffering and He knows when we suffer. Our God is a God who cares for us and has compassion for us when we are gripped with grief. Why keep such a record?

Because God will respond to our suffering!

Too often when we are overcome with illness or are struggling with sickness, we turn to the products we have stored in our medicine cabinet or to the countless remedies on the shelves of our pharmacies. And if and when they do not work we turn to a physician and seek his counsel and cure. It is the normal thing to do.

Unfortunately, all too often we only pray when all else fails. It is as if God was not aware of our sickness or had no time to be concerned with our health.

Not so, says David. God has a permanent record of each and every tear that falls from our eyes because they matter to Him. This is His way of saying, I do care!

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for Your constant concern and never-ending care. We praise You for our well-being. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 56:8 You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?