Tears (Lent Devotion) - Wednesday, April 10
Tears
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)
It rained last night. This morning, water droplets were hanging under the top of the deck railing, each moved by a light breeze. They looked like tears. But when the sun shone through them, also like hundreds of sparkling lights. Some even became prisms. As they changed in color, I realized God had shown up this morning in small drops of water, sunlight, and wind.
I did not plan or even anticipate this morning’s encounter with God. I was just there with coffee and food waiting for Haskell Indian Nations University students. But my Father knew I was going to sit by the large window at the Haskell LIGHT Student Center.
He knew my eyes would gaze upon the 1884 Indian Boarding School buildings and modern college dormitories. He knew I would see the U.S. flag flying at the top of the pole. He heard the stories of pain and victory at our recent Celebrate Recovery meeting. He was present during the Bible studies and one-on-one discussions with students this week. So, He sent the sun and a breeze to move the tear-shaped drops to get my attention.
I thought of tears shed by past and present Haskell students; of tears over violence in our country; of tears from people dealing with addictions and trauma. And the tears of Jesus when His friend Lazarus died and later when in the Garden of Gethsemane. But the colors in these “tears” also reminded me of the tears of joy that come when justice prevails; when God gives people freedom from self-destructive behaviors; when people accept God’s forgiveness and eternal salvation by the saving work of Jesus.
Father God, thank you for seeing our tears and sending us help in times of sorrow and pain. Help us to come alongside those who are crying to provide your comfort. Send your peace in times of distress and your joy in times of victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.