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what modern situations might call for this kind of long term commitment and investment in a challenging environment?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 126:5-6

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

This short psalm is a song of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It remembers a past deliverance, perhaps the return from exile in Babylon, and looks forward to future restoration and blessing, even through present difficulties.

What future good are you willing to invest in now, even if it requires significant present difficulty or sacrifice?

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Read alongside it

  • Galatians 6:9

    It encourages perseverance in doing good, knowing a harvest will come in due time.

  • James 5:7-8

    It uses the farmer's patient waiting for rain and harvest as a metaphor for enduring hardship.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

    It speaks of light and momentary troubles leading to an eternal weight of glory.

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