Does God count your tears?

When King David was captured by the Philistines he wrote, “Thou hast… put my tears in Thy bottle.” What an unusual metaphor, yet for anyone suffering hardship it is a great comfort to know that god does not turn away from our troubles, but rather is intimately aware and concerned about them.

Perhaps no one knew this more than German Pastor Paul Gerhardt. During the Thirty Year War in the 17^th century, his family was forced to flee from their home. One night, as they stayed in a small village inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down and cried in despair. Gerhardt tried to comfort her, but later in the garden under the night sky, he also wept in despair.

Yet in the midst of his despair, he penned a beautiful hymn: Give to the winds thy fears, And be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head.”

God does count our tears. Yet he offers more than empathy. Friend, no matter what you are facing today, God understands. He loves you, and He even collects your tears. And one day, when he returns for His children, He will wipe away all our tears. What a glorious day that will be!

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