Tears in a Bottle

By Shane Kastler

Sometimes, during severe trials, we might wonder if God cares about us. Everyone has days in which they feel like the whole world is against them, and it's easy to assume God must be as well. But the believer should never be given up to such hopelessness.

In Old Testament times, David was once so alone that he could have easily despaired. He fled for his life, trying to escape the maniacal King Saul who wanted him dead; and he ended up in the rival city of Gath. This was the hometown of Goliath, the Philistine giant who David had killed on the battlefield. If there were ever a place where David had no friends, it would have been Gath. Yet even there, the Lord was with him. During that time, David penned these words, “You have kept count of my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8)

The phrase, “tears in your bottle” is an interesting one. It is a symbolic picture of God, not only knowing about David's severe trial, but deeply caring about it as well. Imagine loving someone so much that you not only SEE their tears, but you COLLECT them in a bottle. Indeed, this speaks of a level of compassion that man is simply not capable of. But God is constantly showing toward His people.

In times like these, you need not assume that God doesn't care. He does. You also need not assume that God is powerless to stop the hard times you are facing. Not only does God exhibit care, but He also exhibits control. He is the sovereign king of the universe, who will bring your trial to a close when He sees fit. For the Christian, this should be a source of tremendous comfort. “If God is for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

If the coronavirus pandemic has your nerves rattled, remember to focus on the Lord. And remember that nothing transpires without his knowledge, permission, and ordination. His ways are all powerful, and His will cannot be thwarted. And while we should fear Him with a reverent, respectful, adoration. We should not wrongly assume that God doesn't know or care about our situation. Your tears are in His bottle, just as the hairs on your head are all numbered (see Matthew 10:30). Fear not. Trust in the Lord. And rest in Him as you await the ultimate conclusion of this, your latest trial.

 

Comments

[Jacob H]

The picture of David hiding in an enemy city is quite powerful. How desperate must a person be to escape an enemy, with another enemy? May God continue to bless His people, in what ever way He sees fit.

[Phillip Mezzapelle]

I have know idea if I will still have a job when the lock down comes to an end. I can say though, that God has given me the grace to redeem the time. Having an oppurtunity to spend more time in prayer and the Word. To listen to sermons, sing hymns read good Christian books, memorize scripture and wait upon Him has been a blessing. I don't know what the future holds. But I do know that Jesus will only give me what is best.

[Mike Naas]

Beautiful reminder. He cares. He sees. He hears. He knows. Our compassionate covenant keeping God is in control. The Lord ended up doing a great work in Gath...probably through David. 600 men from Gath would later faithfully serve as David's body guard.