Sunday Message: “God Has Your Tears and Your Years”
As we ponder today, let us find solace in the profound truth that “God has your tears and your years.” In moments of sorrow, it may feel as though our pain is unending, but we can rest assured that God is acutely aware of our struggles and tears. God carries them with compassion, understanding our deepest sorrows and transforming our suffering into a testament of unyielding love.
The Redemptive Power of God
Amid tearful suffering, God’s redemptive power shines through. Psalm 56:8 beautifully reminds us, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” This passage illustrates that not one tear we cry goes unnoticed by God; they are held dear, and our pain is used as fertile ground for healing and restoration.
Moreover, Joel 2:25 affirms, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” God not only sees our tears but also redeems the time we perceive as lost. Every broken moment can be transformed into an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. God promises to restore what appears wasted, reminding us that our lives are woven with purpose, even in the most challenging seasons.
Joy in Restoration
Let us look at how God transforms brokenness into beauty. Isaiah 61:3 proclaims, “…to grant those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.” Here, God offers joy and hope as a means of redemption for our painful experiences.
With the Lord, nothing is ever wasted. Our scars tell a story of faithfulness and grace. As our lives are rebuilt, we come to experience the joy of restoration, as described in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
A Life Restored
As we reflect on the journey of our lives, we can celebrate the truth that God has a plan to redeem our suffering. Every tear leads us closer to God’s heart, and every year lost can be restored by God’s mighty spiritual hand. Let us embrace the hope that God offers, knowing that, no matter how distant we feel from joy, Spirit is actively working in our midst to heal, restore, and uplift us.
May we be encouraged, believing that in God’s hands, our tears and years are not simply numbers lost in time, but they are integral parts of our redemption story.
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
**Remaining in the understanding that God is not a person but “spirit”, personalization of God as “he” is only referenced in quoted scripture. Otherwise, I stay with “God is not a man…”. I hold to my truth that “we” give God our own personalization as the spirit of ultimate love and compassion.
** Most photos are generated using AI
References
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Additional Source
Smith, D. (2021). Finding Hope in the Darkness: The Power of God’s Redemption. Faith Publishers.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 