EGW WritingsPsalms 126

From Splendor to Shadow

Faithful Daniel Identifies Himself With Unfaithful Israel

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
We were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Psalm 126:1, 2

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 45—The Return of the Exiles

PK 559.1

“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
We were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing:
Then said they among the heathen,
The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us;
Whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 123, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 123, 1899, par. 11

Let songs pour forth from lips that the live coal from off the altar has touched. Lift up your voices in the words of the one hundred and twenty-first, one hundred and twenty-fifth, and one hundred and twenty-sixth psalms. The angelic host will join with those who sing with the spirit and with the understanding also.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 59, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 59, 1906, par. 5

The wickedness of the world has reached a point where the Lord will certainly interfere. Psalms 119, 126, 127 were presented and read in the assembly. The voice speaking was earnest. The assembly was large. The Lord will certainly arise to punish the wickedness that is so bold and defiant against His holy law. The forbearance of God has been very great—so great that when we consider the continuous insult to the Lord’s holy commandments, we marvel. These words were repeated: “The Lord is slow to anger, and of great power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and in the bowels of the earth, and the clouds wherewith He hides Himself.” [See Nahum 1:3.]

Radiant Religion

He Hath Done Great Things for Me, January 21

RRe 23.1

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 33, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 33, 1885, par. 25

Listen to the testimony: “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:3. You are to give this testimony to the world. He will do great things for us if we will let Him. But if we allow our minds to take a low channel, the angels of God cannot impress our minds. We must labor constantly to have our minds upon heaven, then we can make melody in our hearts to the Lord, and through Jesus we can be more than conquerors because we have taken hold of His power. “And let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace.” [Isaiah 27:5.] How can we doubt His word for one moment?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 128, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 8

The widow and the orphan are there to tell of His wonderful works. The restored dead are there. Their tongues once palsied by the power of Satan, take up the song of rejoicing, “He hath brought the dead from their graves, I will open my lips in praise to him.” The demoniac is there, not now to have the words wrenched from his lips by Satan’s power, “Let us alone.” [Mark 1:24.] Clothed, and in his right mind, he adds his testimony to that of others, “The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad.” [Psalm 126:3.] Little children are inspired by the scene. There are present little ones who have been healed of suffering, and brought back from the dead by the word of the Lifegiver; and these with palm branches and flowers bestrew the path of the Redeemer.

Radiant Religion

The Faithful Workers are to Reap with Joy, December 2

RRe 338.1

They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 6, 1880

3LtMs, Lt 6, 1880, par. 61

Very many professedly Christian men are sowing to the flesh by pampering lust. With some it reaches only themselves, while with others it pollutes their associates. We are sowing now and the reaping time is soon to come. Everyone is either sowing to the flesh or to the spirit. We must take the sickle and gather what we have sown. The fallow ground of the heart needs to be broken up. We each have to deal with a stubborn soil. The heart of stone must be broken into cultivation. They that sow with tears will reap with joy (Psalm 126:5). There must be a purifying of the soul’s temple. There must be an elevating of the standard of religion among us as a people.

A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White

The Messengers

ExV 51.3

I saw that if the chosen messengers of the Lord waited for every obstacle to be moved out of their way, many never would go to search for the scattered sheep. Satan will present many objections in their way, to keep them from duty. But they will have to go out by faith, trusting in Him who has called them to his work, and the Lord will open their way before them, as far as it will be for their good and his glory. Jesus, the great teacher and pattern, had not where to lay his head. His life was one of toil, sorrow, and suffering; he then gave himself for us. Those who, in Christ’s stead, beseech souls to be reconciled to God, and who hope to reign with Christ in glory, must expect to be partakers of his sufferings here. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5, 6.

Early Writings

The Messengers

EW 63.3

If the chosen messengers of the Lord should wait for every obstacle to be moved out of their way, many never would go to search for the scattered sheep. Satan will present many objections in order to keep them from duty. But they will have to go out by faith, trusting in Him who has called them to His work, and He will open the way before them, as far as it will be for their good and His glory. Jesus, the great teacher and pattern, had not where to lay His head. His life was one of toil, sorrow, and suffering; He then gave Himself for us. Those who, in Christ’s stead, beseech souls to be reconciled to God, and who hope to reign with Christ in glory, must expect to be partakers of His sufferings here. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5, 6.

This Day With God

Guard the Approaches, June 14

TDG 174.1

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5, 6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 29, 1872

2LtMs, Lt 29, 1872, par. 20

Some of our ministers carry too light responsibilities and shun individual care and burdens. For this reason they do not feel the need of help from God as [they would] if they lifted the burdens [that] the work of God, and our faith, requires them to lift. When burdens in this cause have to be lifted, when brought into strait places, they will feel the need of living near to God that they may have confidence to commit their way to Him and in faith claim that help which God alone can give. They will then be obtaining an experience every day in faith and trust which is of the highest value to a gospel minister. The work of a gospel minister is more solemn and sacred than they generally realize. They should carry a sanctified influence with them. God requires that those who minister in sacred things should be men who feel jealous for His cause. The burden of their work should be the salvation of souls. You have not felt as the prophet describes, “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.” Joel 2:17. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5, 6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 29a, 1872

2LtMs, Lt 29a, 1872, par. 23

Some of our ministers carry too light responsibilities and shun individual care and burdens, and for this reason they do not feel the need of help from God as if they lifted the burdens the work of God and our faith requires them to lift. When burdens in this cause have to be lifted, when brought into strait places, they will feel the need of living near to God, that they may have confidence to commit their way to Him and in faith claim that help which God alone can give. They will then be obtaining an experience every day in faith and trust which is of the highest value to a gospel minister. His work is more solemn and sacred than ministers generally realize. They should carry a sanctified influence with them. God requires that those who minister in sacred things should be men who feel jealous for His cause. The burden of their work should be the salvation of souls. Brother [Cornell], you have not felt as the prophet describes, “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.” Joel 2:17. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5, 6.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 3—“First the Blade, Then the Ear”

COL 65.1

The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest ... shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His assurance, “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 305.3

To every worker for God this thought should be a stimulus and an encouragement. In this life our work for God often seems to be almost fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we may not be permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem to be lost. But the Saviour assures us that our work is noted in heaven, and that the recompense cannot fail. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says: “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” And in the words of the psalmist we read: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Galatians 6:9; Psalm 126:6.

To Be Like Jesus

Unselfish Service Gives Joy to Both Christ and Us, September 29

BLJ 287.2

In this life our work for God often seems to be almost fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we may not be permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem to be lost. But the Savior assures us that our work is noted in heaven, and that the recompense cannot fail.... In the words of the psalmist we read: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6).

Ye Shall Receive Power

More Preaching, October 26

YRP 308.5

This promised blessing, if claimed by faith, would bring all other blessings in its train, and it is to be given liberally to the people of God. Through the cunning devices of the enemy the minds of God’s people seem to be incapable of comprehending and appropriating the promises of God.... A harvest of joy will be reaped by those who sow the holy seeds of truth. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6).—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 174, 175.

An Appeal for Self-supporting Laborers to Enter Unworked Fields

An Exhausted Treasury No Reason for Delay

PH005 33.3

God calls for men to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall His workmen wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely enough to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6. Nothing is so successful as success. Let this be secured, and the work will move forward. New fields will be opened. Many souls will be won to the truth. What is needed is increased faith in God.—Manuscript 54, 1901.

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 40—An Unprecedented Harvest

PM 399.4

Eyes on the Ultimate Harvest—In this life our work for God often seems to be almost fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we may not be permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem to be lost. But the Saviour assures us that our work is noted in heaven, and that the recompense cannot fail. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says: “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” And in the words of the psalmist we read: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Galatians 6:9; Psalm 126:6.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Self-supporting Missionaries

3TT 86.1

God calls for workers to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall we wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely sufficient to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. The promise is: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.

With God at Dawn

An Earnest Spirit, October 10

WGD 285.1

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6.

Radiant Religion

They Will Receive a Glorious Reward, December 3

RRe 339.1

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 12, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 12, 1891, par. 16

The church has long been contented with little of the blessing of God; they have not felt their need of reaching up to the exalted privileges purchased for them at infinite cost. Their spiritual life has been feeble, their experience of a dwarfed and crippled character, and they are disqualified for the work that the Lord would have them do. They are not able to present the great and glorious truths of God’s Holy Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, which would convict and convert souls. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. A harvest of joy will be reaped by those who sow the holy seeds of truth. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 80, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 38

The grace of God will not long abide in the hearts of those who have opportunities to communicate it, and yet whose lips are silent. They will soon find that they have nothing to tell. The grace of Christ is not private property. It must go to those who know not the truth as it is in Jesus. O, if the people of God would but realize how great is their accountability, they would deny self, they would lift the cross, they would go everywhere seeking to save souls that are perishing. God has given this promise for our encouragement, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Young Men Wanted for Hard Places

CT 518.2

He who has appointed “to every man his work” (Mark 13:34) according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.—Testimonies for the Church 5:390-395.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 54, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 54, 1901, par. 10

God calls for men to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall His workmen wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely enough to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.] Nothing is so successful as success. Let this be secured, and the work will move forward. New fields will be opened. Many souls will be won to the truth. What is needed is increased faith in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 61, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 61, 1901, par. 24

It is impossible for the man who believes in Christ to see the work that needs to be done, and yet do nothing. Daily the church is to receive from heaven the healing balm of God’s grace to impart to the needy and suffering. God’s people are weighted with the most sacred responsibilities and the most glorious privileges. All who believe the message for this time will go forth into the harvest field to do something for the Master, relying upon the assurance, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.] In practical obedience to the divine command, his confidence will increase and his talents will multiply. Mountains of obstacles will become a plain path. The spiritual desert will rejoice and blossom as the rose.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 54a, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 54a, 1901, par. 12

God calls for men to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall His workmen wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely enough to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.] Nothing is so successful as success. Let this be secured, and the work will move forward. New fields will be opened. Many souls will be won to the truth. What is needed is increased faith in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 56, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 56, 1902, par. 46

It is always in answer to prayer that God revives His work. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.] Oh, that every workman, ministers at home and ministers abroad, would arouse to stand in his allotted place in the crisis that has now come! If all would realize that it is their privilege to be laborers together with God, with what great solemnity would they labor! Wherever they are, they would manifest a spirit of greater devotion to missionary work—the work of enlightening the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 43, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 43, 1912, par. 5

It is impossible for the man who believes in Christ to see the work that needs to be done, and yet do nothing. Daily the church is to receive from heaven the healing balm of God’s grace to impart to the needy and suffering. God’s people are weighted with the most sacred responsibilities and the most glorious privileges. All who believe the message for this time will go forth into the harvest field to do something for the Master, relying upon the assurance, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.] In practical obedience to the divine command, his confidence will increase and his talents will multiply. Mountains of obstacles will become a plain path. The spiritual desert will rejoice and blossom as the rose.

Education

Sowing in Faith

Ed 105.2

For a time the good seed may lie unnoticed in the heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last brings forth fruit. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This question it is not for us to settle. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest ... shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we, in the spiritual sowing, to labor, trusting His assurance: “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 126:6.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Young Men as Missionaries

GW92 296.2

He who has appointed “to every man his work,” according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]—Testimonies for the Church 5:395.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Young Men Wanted for Hard Places

GW 85.1

He who has appointed “to every man his work,” [Mark 13:34.] according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]—Testimonies for the Church 5:390-395.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Personal Ministry

GW 186.2

The minister must be instant in season and out of season, ready to seize and improve every opportunity to further the work of God. To be “instant in season” is to be alert to the privileges of the house and hour of worship, and to the times when men are conversing on topics of religion. And to be instant “out of season” is to be ready, when at the fireside, in the field, by the wayside, in the market, to turn the minds of men, in a suitable manner, to the great themes of the Bible, with tender, fervent spirit urging upon them the claims of God. Many, many such opportunities are allowed to slip by unimproved, because men are persuaded that it is out of season. But who knows what might be the effect of a wise appeal to the conscience? It is written, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” [Ecclesiastes 11:6.] He who is sowing the seeds of truth may bear a burdened heart, and at times his efforts may seem to be without result. But if he is faithful, he will see fruit of his labor; for God’s word declares, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 512.3

To every worker for God this thought should be a stimulus and an encouragement. In this life our work for God often seems to be almost fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we may not be permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem to be lost. But the Saviour assures us that our work is noted in heaven, and that the recompense cannot fail. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” [Galatians 6:9.] And in the words of the psalmist we read, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psalm 126:6.]

In Heavenly Places

God Gives the Increase, November 20

HP 331.1

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Self-Supporting Missionaries

7T 23.2

God calls for workers to enter the whitening harvest field. Shall we wait because the treasury is exhausted, because there is scarcely sufficient to sustain the workers now in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. The promise is: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.