What do I do when can’t I stop crying after I’ve prayed?  

Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who plant with tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return to harvest.”

I’ve often wondered—why do they weep? Why would someone cry as they plant?

It’s because there has been a real loss. Real regrets. This psalm was written after the exile, when God’s people returned to a broken Jerusalem. Their beloved city was in ruins. The temple—the place where they had once met with God—lay in rubble. The grief was deep, and the pain was real.

Sometimes loss comes into our lives the same way. Maybe it’s because of our own choices, or maybe it’s because of someone else’s actions. Either way, the tears are real. And when the grief feels overwhelming, we ask: What do I do next?

The psalmist gives us the answer: we plant. Even through the tears, we plant.

We plant seeds of surrender: Lord, I am Yours. Even when I don’t understand, I choose to belong to You.

We plant seeds of faith: Lord, You love me. You see me. You tenderly care for me. Show me the promise from Your Word that I can hold onto today.

And we plant seeds of love: Lord, open my eyes to someone who needs encouragement, prayer, or kindness. Use me to help draw them closer to You.  

Then go and give encouragement, pray for someone, give a gift, bake something for someone – just give.  

Planting in tears is not easy. But Scripture assures us that those very seeds—watered by our grief—will one day bring forth a harvest of joy.

So today, wherever you are, whatever you’re feeling—plant. Even if the tears fall as you do, keep planting. For God promises that joy is coming.