“Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” – Psalm 126:5
Is it necessary to experience sorrow before we can truly appreciate the joy of redemption? Is this an axiom that can be applied to life in general? It is written in Psalms, “those who sow in tears will reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). If we think about the value of pain, to learn from our suffering, then the idea begins to be credible as a principle. Thus, it follows, that our more challenging experiences in life are often the ones from where we learn the most.
A friend once related to me, how after not eating for several days, he sat at someone else’s campfire, and was able to procure some baked potatoes. He said that those potatoes tasted like the best meal he had ever had. I am using this as a simplistic example, to convey the understanding that the depths of pain have the potential to lead to the heights of joy.
The principle is reiterated, “Though he goeth on his way weeping that beareth the measure of seed, he shall come home with joy, bearing his sheaves” (Psalm 126:6). The passage conveys the understanding that in this life, we will experience sorrow; yet, in the world-to-come, we will experience joy. If we sow tears in Olam Hazeh (This World), then we will receive a joyous reward for our efforts in Olam Haba (the World to Come).
The Tree of Life 