If you’re anything like me, you have pain and sorrow in your life.

There are days when I choke back the tears all day long. The One I ultimately go to during these sad times is my Lord. Yes – I have sisters and brothers in Christ, and I often talk with them and share some of these hurtful times.

But when I go to Jesus, I know that he sees the deepest part of my heart, and understands my pain. I know that he will never judge me – instead, He is delighted that I’ve come to Him; much like a parent loves it when their child runs to them because they are hurt.

Tears in His botte

 ^“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.  In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:8-11)

Think of it:  the Creator of the Universe is that concerned about our pain and our suffering, that he collects each tear that falls from our eyes. They must be precious to Him.  How glorious.

I’ve heard the “Chin up” my friend – things will get better!  Or “Don’t let the past rule your future.”  But these hurts leave scars. Sometimes scars are good. They remind us to run to the One who holds our tears. Only He knows our lives from beginning to end. Only He holds the World of Life.

Christian friends

The Lord gave us brothers and sisters for a reason. He brings certain ones into our lives to talk with and hopefully to edify one another.  What would we do without these brethren?

But He always reminds me that He alone holds that bottle with our tears. I think that each tear to Him represents something much bigger. It represents our suffering.  It comforts me that he has this bottle.  Can you imagine –  a bottle of our suffering?  It can’t compare with the suffering of His One and only Son Jesus. But still, it is so important to Him.

How can one live without Jesus?

I think back to my life before 1983, when I gave my heart to the Lord; and I trust Him for my salvation. Before then, I was so lost. I had no purpose for living. Nothing made sense.  I look at people who outright reject Jesus, or just feel no need for Him in there lives. I would love to be able to read their thoughts. But God reads them, and He knows.

“Alabastor Box”

The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There’s no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster

[Refrain]

And I’ve come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary’s alabaster box
Don’t be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren’t there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don’t know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

I can’t forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I’d thought I’d found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His touch
So now I’m giving back to Him
All the praise He’s worthy of
I’ve been forgiven
And that’s why
I love Him so much

[Refrain]

And I’ve come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary’s alabaster box
Don’t be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair (my hair)
You weren’t there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don’t know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don’t know the cost of my praise
You don’t know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

I love you Lord. Please come soon.

MARANATHA