Songs of Joy

“...will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves.”
Psalm 126:6b (NIV)

I took a group to Turkey to tour the Seven Churches of Revelation. Before we left, one of the team members—a faithful woman in our church community—climbed into an Uber headed to the airport.

Her driver's name was Servan, a Muslim from Istanbul who was searching for truth. Instead of scrolling her phone during the ride, Deena sowed seed. She asked questions. Shared her faith. Deena got his contact information before the ride ended.

Beaming with joy, she ran up to me at the airport and shared about Servan. I called him immediately, sent him a Bible, and set up a lunch date for when we returned. A month later, we sat down to eat. He brought the Bible. He peppered me with questions about Christianity and concerns about his former faith.

So I explained the bad news, how we've all sinned, and how that sin cuts us off from God. Then I got to share the best news, that Jesus died to take the punishment we deserved and rose again, defeating death, giving us new life.

I explained how to be saved, using Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Servan said, "I want to do that." I asked, "You mean now?" He replied, "Yes, now!" I said, "You mean here?" He said, "Yes, here!"

That twenty-eight-year-old man gave his life to Jesus Christ in that restaurant.

Psalm 126:5-6 promises that when you sow seed, you will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves. It doesn’t say “may” return, but “will” return with songs of joy. 

Deena sowed. I reaped. But God gave the harvest.

Charles Spurgeon said it best, "If Jesus is precious to you, you will not be able to keep your good news to yourself."

This week, have one spiritual conversation with someone unexpected. Your dental hygienist. Your neighbor. The person next to you on the plane. Sow one seed with confidence, knowing God promises a harvest.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me the holy confidence that when I sow Your Word, You guarantee a harvest. Help me see the people You're preparing to receive the gospel today. I want to partner with You, Lord, sharing Your burden for the lost and returning with songs of joy in their salvation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.