When Tears Are Wiped Away

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

Revelation 21:3–5

We live in a world of sorrows. Serious medical issues, financial reversals, the death of loved ones, shattered dreams, having wayward children or grandchildren—we all know some or even many of these pains. Many times people try to bring us comfort and hope, but their efforts can sometimes make things worse rather than better. Most of God’s children have looked around and wondered if anyone cared about what they were experiencing. The good news is that even if we find no earthly help or comfort, God cares.

When God called Moses and commissioned him to lead the Children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt, one of the first things He pointed out was His level of awareness and sympathy for the sufferings the people endured. “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;” (Exodus 3:7).

We are blessed to have a God who both knows and feels the hurts that we endure. He is not distant and uncaring. Though there are times when He allows things to come into our lives that are painful, it is not because of a lack of love for us, but rather part of His overall plan.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

God knows the pain you experience, and one day He will take all tears away forever.