Hannah longed for children. In her day, having no children was assumed to be a sign of God’s judgment. That wasn’t the case with Hannah, but nobody knew it. She was treated with contempt, but she remained faithful to the Lord.
One Feast Day at the Temple, Hannah wept (Hebrew: “baca”) hard tears before the Lord, “Oh, Lord, if you will give me a son, I’ll give him back to You all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1). The Lord answered. Her baby boy was named “Samuel,” which means, “God hears and answers.” Samuel guided Israel faithfully all the days of his life, and the Lord added to Hannah other children.
The Bible reminds us that “They who sow in tears shall reap in joy. The one who goes forth with weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5,6).
We can pray and ask the Lord to remove our trials, but far greater is the prayer that asks the Lord to USE our trials for His glory and the salvation of others. That is “sowing in tears.” And we have His promise, you shall “reap in joy.”
“Blessed is the one whose strength is in You; in whose heart are highways bringing all things to You. Who passing through the valley of Baca (weeping), make it a well (a place where others find life),” (Psalm 84:5,6). The desire to honor the Lord, while enduring the heartaches that come our way, brings God's blessing.
Jesus too cried strong tears as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He had planted the seeds of the Word of Truth, and watered them with His tears, for our salvation. He shall return, rejoicing in the harvest of souls, bringing us Home with Him.
Sow in tears. Reap in joy. It’s God’s promise.
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