Eternal Compassion 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (ESV)

In John 16:33, Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. And we certainly do. Nowadays, we often see far more weeping and mourning than laughing and dancing. Which is why I often say, “But this, too, shall pass.” When I am hurting, I remind myself that days of sorrowing have their limit. Heaven is about to burst on the horizon, and we will see with unveiled eyes how our earthly sorrows have had a profound purpose in eternity.  

I’m not glorifying sorrow, but our tears set the stage for God to engage himself wholly and completely in our eternal comfort. Psalm 56:8 says, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (ESV). And it says in Revelation 7:17 and 21:4 that God will wipe away every tear.  

I love the image of God keeping track of each different sorrow and every unique grief. It’s so that one day he can atone for those losses. When God wipes away our tears, the reason behind our suffering will be made plain. God’s purpose will be exalted and his tender-hearted compassion will be made clearer. Like the burst of sunshine through cold clouds, we will finally experience the intimate, warm affection God has toward each of us personally. 

So whatever grief and sorrow shadows this season, remember weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Take heart—joy is on the way! 

Lord Jesus, I thank you that no tear I’ve cried will be wasted. You have seen each one and, when the time is right, you will tenderly wipe them away. Thank you that I can look forward to heaven when I will fully see the love and compassion you have for me in my pain.