Tear Collector

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

Psalm 56:8

Over the years, I’ve seen several movies and TV shows that portray a father buying his daughter a beautiful dress for a special occasion. Without fail, I cry every time. I don’t know if I can ever communicate all the emotions behind the steady flow, but they are overwhelming and consistent.

Is my reaction a response to the sweet satisfaction over a father’s tenderness or generosity? Or am I vicariously feeling the fullness in their hearts as they exchange loving expressions? Maybe the loss of my own wonderful dad or compassion for women who never knew fatherly love brings on my tears. Or quite possibly those scenes remind me of my empty nest now that my own daughter has moved into her first apartment. The tears trickle because I miss her even as I celebrate with her.

Tears. They ebb and flow throughout our days and years, and all along God is collecting them. Simply knowing He keeps track of my tears makes me tear up again with joy! Our big God is so personal to let us know that He is keeping track. He knew we would cry. He knew that sometimes we would not be able to explain the reasons for the overflow. But He sees and He knows. Even though our bottles are different sizes, He holds on to everyone’s every tear.

I don’t think I will figure out the exact explanation for all my tears over those particular movie scenes, but I know for sure I have tears of joy when I experience my heavenly Father’s never-ending tender mercy toward me.

One day God, our Tear Collector, will wipe away our every tear (Revelation 21:4). Until then they are stored and we can know He sees our hurts, He feels our pain with us, and He loves us enough to heal us in His time. Ask Him to help you believe that He will be your Healer for any brokenness you are experiencing right now.