Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 126:4-6

"Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves [with him]." — Psalms 126:4-6 (ASV)

The beginnings of mercies encourage us to pray for their completion. And while we are in this world there will be reason for prayer, even when we are most richly supplied with reasons for praise. Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others.

But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And those who sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall reap from the Spirit life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed. Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be for ever comforted.

When we mourn for our sins, or suffer for Christ's sake, we are sowing in tears, to reap in joy. And remember that God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth that shall he reap (Galatians 6:7–9). Here, O disciple of Jesus, behold an emblem of your present labor and future reward; the day is coming when you shall reap in joy, plentiful shall be your harvest, and great shall be your joy in the Lord.