"Tears"

I’ve stood and wept at bedsides,

As people say good-bye,

Though I didn’t want to,

I couldn’t help but cry.

I’ve held in my arms babies,

Who sniffled and shed tears,

And now my eyes will water,

When I think back on those years.

I’ve put my hand upon my heart,

With “O Say Can You See,”

And had my sight go watery,

It means so much to me.

I laughed so hard the tears came,

When something cracked me up,

Life can be hilarious,

And humor fills my cup.

I cried at children’s weddings,

I cried when their mom died,

My Dad, sister, and mother,

At those sad times I cried.

And when I look into her eyes,

And see her love for me,

I’ll say it often chokes me up,

My heart fills thankfully.

But guess the best tears I have shed,

Were those I left in prayer,

On a thousand altars,

When Jesus met me there.

The Good Book says He keeps ‘em,

In a bottle when they drop,

Keeps track of all our sorrows,

Some full right to the top.

I know the day is coming,

When all our tears are gone,

He will wipe them all away,

In heaven, won’t be long.

So when you hear I’m going,

Or if already there,

Though you might feel sorry,

Remember this with care,

I’ve gone on to my Father’s,

Where He dries every tear,

No more death or pain or sorrow,

And safe from every fear.

Till then I’ll stand right with you,

And if you’re heart still breaks,

We’ll bear each other’s burdens,

Do whatever that it takes,

To weep with those who’re crying,

Rejoice with those who smile,

And know that God’s great Kingdom,

Comes in just a little while.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes…” (Revelation 21:4, NLT)

That day is coming, when all sorrow will be relieved permanently. But not yet…Even Jesus was called a “man of sorrows.” Why? Because this world is broken, and still under the curse that will not be completely removed until every enemy is conquered. Death will be the last enemy to go, and when Jesus returns it is removed, too. Until then, Jesus reigns, and one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. Tears are a part of life until then, but one day they will be wiped away by our Father. Then every source of our sorrow will be removed as well. Fullness of joy in the presence of the Almighty is all that remains. Soldier on. He keeps and records our tears and they will soon be over.

Lord, help us bear each other’s burdens and trust You to one day wipe away every tear, in Jesus’ name.

Art by JaNeil Anderson, janeilanderson.com. Used by permission. Thanks, JaNeil, and God bless you.