May 16 - Psalms 120-126

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” (Psalm 126:5)

We probably all can recite the words of Jesus: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9: 23). We hear that and think, “Yep,we need to take up our cross and follow You, Lord.” And He promises that “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30), right?

Then why doesn’t it feel light? Is it because we are carrying the burden of other people’s crosses? What about the spouse that has stopped going to church? Or that son or daughter who has become a prodigal? Or that grandchild who shows no interest in spiritual things? Are we carrying their crosses, too?

Yes, we should care about their spiritual waywardness. Yes, we should take it as a burden to the Lord, but then we need to leave it there. Easier said than done, right? Yes, but we can ask the Holy Spirit to show us when we are starting to take it back, worrying about their eternal destiny, or thinking we need to find a way to fix them.

We need to continually remind ourselves that no amount of worry, argument, logic, pressure, manipulation, or emotional appeal is going to change them. Why? Because it is a matter of the heart. And only God can change a heart.

As we read our Psalms to the Lord today, let’s praise Him for the promise that those who sow in tears will reap in joy. As we intercede on behalf of those we love who are wandering off in sin, let’s praise Him us remember that the most loving and effective thing we can do for them is to bring them to the Cross in prayer. In doing fervent battle on their behalf, we may be sowing in tears, but His promise is a joyful end. As we bring them to the only One who can transform their hearts, may we experience that quiet rest that Jesus promised: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).