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Psalm 126: Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy
Walking Through the Psalms
Host: Dave Jenkins •
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
We often look back and say, “Those were the days”—when faith felt easier and joy felt closer.
Psalm 126 speaks to believers living between remembered joy and present sorrow, teaching us to
remember God’s past faithfulness, pray for renewal, and obey with hope while we wait for the harvest God has promised.
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Key Scripture
- Psalm 126
- Hebrews 4:14–16 (throne of grace)
- Romans 8:1 (no condemnation in Christ)
- Philippians 4:8–9 (set the mind on what is true)
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (take every thought captive)
Sermon Outline
- Remembered Redemption (Psalm 126:1–3)
- A Present Cry for Renewal (Psalm 126:4)
- Faithful Obedience Through Tears (Psalm 126:5–6)
Main Takeaways
- Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens present faith and fuels worship.
- Past redemption does not eliminate the need for present prayer—especially in seasons of dryness.
- God does not waste obedience done through sorrow; the harvest is promised, even if delayed.
- Psalm 126 ultimately points us to Christ, whose resurrection guarantees future joy for His people.
Scripture Reading (Psalm 126, ESV)
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV®. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Reflection Questions
- What “great things” has the Lord done for you that you need to remember and thank Him for today?
- Where do you need to pray Psalm 126:4 honestly—asking the Lord for renewal?
- What does “sowing in tears” look like in your life right now, and how does God’s promise shape your hope?
- How does Christ’s resurrection (and His priestly help) strengthen you to keep obeying in hard seasons?
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
