Tears: Observed by God

In the biblical narrative, tears are a profound expression of human emotion, often associated with sorrow, repentance, and supplication. The Bible presents tears as significant to God, who observes and responds to the cries of His people. This entry explores the biblical understanding of tears and their spiritual implications.

Tears as a Reflection of Suffering and Sorrow

Throughout Scripture, tears are frequently linked to suffering and sorrow. The psalmist David, in his moments of distress, speaks of his tears as a constant companion: "I am weary from my groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears" (Psalm 6:6). This vivid imagery underscores the depth of his anguish and the sincerity of his lament before God.

God's Compassionate Observation

The Bible assures believers that God is attentive to their tears. In Psalm 56:8, David expresses confidence in God's intimate awareness of his suffering: "You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?" . This metaphorical language suggests that God not only sees but also cherishes and remembers the tears of His people, indicating His deep compassion and care.

Tears of Repentance and Divine Response

Tears are also associated with repentance and a turning back to God. In the account of King Hezekiah, when faced with a terminal illness, he weeps bitterly and prays to the Lord. God's response is immediate and compassionate: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you" (2 Kings 20:5). This narrative highlights the power of genuine repentance and God's readiness to respond with mercy and healing.

Tears in the Ministry of Jesus

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself displaying deep empathy and compassion. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept" , we see the Savior's tears at the death of Lazarus, reflecting His profound empathy for human suffering. Jesus' tears demonstrate His identification with human grief and His divine compassion.

The Promise of Comfort

The Bible offers hope and comfort to those who weep, promising a future where tears will be no more. Revelation 21:4 provides a vision of the ultimate consolation: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This promise assures believers of God's ultimate plan to eradicate sorrow and bring eternal joy.

Conclusion

In summary, tears in the Bible are a powerful symbol of human emotion and divine compassion. They reflect the depth of human suffering and the sincerity of repentance, while also highlighting God's attentive and loving response. Through the lens of Scripture, tears are not merely a sign of weakness but a testament to the profound relationship between God and His people, marked by empathy, healing, and the promise of eternal comfort.

Topical Bible: Tears: Observed by God

 

[Margery]

Thank you Rose! Tears and prayers are often mingled.

He bottles up our tears. Psalm 56:8 says so. They aren't wasted.
8 You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?

Revelation 5:8 says our prayers are stored up in vials or bowls depending on the translation.

8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

and in Revelation 8:1-5 we see what happens to those prayers.

1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne.

4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.


In our most pain filled prayers, the ones with tears, I like to recall these verses and remember that God doesn't waste a single tear or prayer, that someday they will figure large in the judgment of the earth, the enemy and all who side with the enemy.

God keeps score.

The enemy will get his!!!

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?
4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.
10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Psalm 6, KJV