Tears and success

"Those who sow with tears shall reap with songs of gladness : he who goes crying, when he bears the seed, come back with gladness when he carries his sheaves." Psalm 126.5 /6

In general, tears are associated with sadness, mourning, failure ... However, Jesus, in the beatitudes, does not hesitate to make the link between happiness and tears : "Happy are those who cry ..." Matthew 5.4

Obviously, there is no question of apologizing for mourning, sadness, failure, tears ; the believer is not a masochist, fond of hurting himself, indulging in mortifications. Such a vision is only a perversion of Christianity. Indeed, the message of Christ is liberating, freeing man from all condemnation and guilt.

God wants to change this valley of tears into a place full of sources.

It must be emphasized that in this passage, Jesus reminds us that happiness will come after we have crossed the valley of tears. Happiness is not directly related to tears ; it is linked to the consolation that comes after. The message of Jesus is a message of hope.

This is also what the psalmist says : "When they cross the valley of Baca (valley of tears), they transform it into a place full of sources." Psalm 84.7

It is only when the valley of tears has been crossed, and only after, that springs spring up. These springs are the image of abundance, of success, of happiness, but they spring only when one has not stopped in the middle of the valley of tears, keeping hope in spite of tears.

As you go through difficult times, through mourning, illness, unemployment, divorce, rejection ... While all these situations tear you away from tears, do not lose hope. Cry if your hearts and lives are broken, but look beyond the present time, God wants to change this valley of tears into a place full of sources. As you cry with sadness in the storm, keep moving forward without losing hope.

It may seem paradoxical to speak simultaneously of tears and success, yet many have cried before seeing their work succeed ; this text reminds us. When we work in the work of God, the time of sowing is sometimes strewn with persecutions, scorn, opposition, pain, but the promise of a future harvest encourages us to persevere.

An encouragement for today

You have testified, and have received only refusal and contempt, believe that one day you will reap, and will be glad to see the fruits of your testimony.

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)