“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT)
The time to start planting is now. I talk to people all the time who say, “One of these days, I’m going to … ” They plan to serve more when they retire or give more when they get a raise. But “one of these days” becomes none of these days.
Don’t wait for things to get better; start planting seeds now. The sooner you plant, the sooner you’ll enjoy the harvest. But remember, the harvest will not come according to your timetable. There’s always a delay between sowing and reaping. You have to be patient and not give up!
The Bible says, “Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest” (Galatians 6:9 TEV). Results come slowly and as part of a process.
What should you do in the meantime? Forget about last year’s crop failure. Focus on the long-term harvest in your life. What loss have you been grieving over? Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, your health, your job, your savings, your retirement, or your dream. Mourning is okay, but moaning is not.
Instead of moaning, plant a seed. Nothing grows until a seed is planted. Whatever you need more of, you need to give away. Don’t wait for “one of these days.” Today is the day to plant the seed.
The Bible says, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest” (Psalm 126:5-6 NLT).
Remember these five principles:
- Plant seeds of generosity, even when you don’t have much to give. God gives to generous people.
- Obeying God’s vision will bring God’s provision. When you do what God tells you to do, God brings the resources you need at the right time.
- When you do all that God tells you to do, He does what you can’t do. He often asks you to do the impossible to stretch your faith.
- When you have a need, sow a seed. Whatever you need in your life, sow it as a seed, and it will come back to you.
- There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Be patient, and don’t give up. The delay is a test of your faith.
Planting seeds of joy requires patience, persistence, and faith. Trust in God’s promises, and keep planting seeds of kindness, generosity, and love. The harvest will come, and you will reap with shouts of joy!
