Do it, even if in tears

 “Bethink thee of something that thou oughtest to do, and go to do it, if it be but the sweeping of a room, or the preparing of a meal, or a visit to a friend. Heed not thy feelings: Do thy work.” - George MacDonald

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:5-6)

This fits today. I have spiritual seeds to sow. The tears are not as literal now as two days ago, but the task is still before me. I am not certain the soil is ready for the seeds. Jesus told of various attitudes of receptivity and I rather suspect the soil that is on my heart will be hard, definitely rocky and even determined to reject whatever I say, even if it was something much less vital, like a story about a new bakery or an old pet cat.

Some people are immune to ideas contrary to their own because the idea contradicts their values and makes them feel criticized, as if being told they are not acceptable as is.

Piper simplifies this lesson by saying “When there are simple, straightforward jobs to be done, and you are full of sadness and the tears are flowing easily, go ahead and do the jobs with tears. Be realistic. Say to your tears: ‘Tears, I feel you. You make me want to quit life, but there is a field to be sown (dishes to be washed, a car to be fixed, a sermon to be written). I know you will wet my face several times today, but I have work to do and you will just have to go with me. I intend to take the bag of seeds and sow. If you come along, then you will just have to wet the rows.’”

I wish my seed-sowing was a mere task like washing dishes or fixing a car or even writing this, but it more involved. The tears came when seeing a need and the Lord used them to prompt in me fervent prayer. I am hearing Him say to “sow in tears” and not allow those tears to stop me from trusting His power to use what I say to produce a harvest.

PRAY: Jesus, You promised. I trust You. It seems impossible to see a harvest in this, yet You are clear about nothing being too hard for You. Tears or joy, I cannot imagine how You plan to bring any good out of this. Just help me be obedient and filled with faith that the simple work of my sowing will bring sheaves of harvest, and all tears will be turned to joy.