He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Tears of Reward

Walk His Way Revisited
First posted in July, 2014

I work in a pediatrician’s office where I hear all kinds of crying. The squalling of a naked newborn; defiant howls; sudden high-piercing shrieks that almost make me jump out of my chair; and the seemingly unending screams of terror when the doctor just enters the exam room and hasn’t even touched the child yet are just a few of them. Some days can be very unnerving. But what just melts my heart is when a sweet toddler, who just endured such terror even though it’s for his own good, manages through the tears and whimpers to tell the doctor and staff thank you as he receives his sticker reward. These precious ones can still manage gratitude through the pain. What a lovely lesson for us grownups.

Oh, to learn to give thanks in spite of pain and terror. Gratitude is usually the last thing on my mind when I go through painful situations. Anger, frustration, and the urge to run are more likely to be the attitude of choice (of course there are a lot of these kinds of children in the office, too.)

I wonder if my Heavenly Father’s heart melts when I choose to give thanks in the midst of trepidation. I know my tears are special to Him. Psalm 56:8 says that He saves them on a scroll or in a bottle depending on what version is read. His word also teaches, “He will cover you with His feathers,
 and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:4-6).

The most comforting verse of all tells us, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). What a precious reward from Jesus and the Father.

Yes, I’m sure God’s heart melts for us when we thank Him in the midst of pain and terror. Thank Him, dear one, and collect your reward.

Father, thank You for Your love for us. What a great reward awaits us when You will personally wipe away every tear from our eyes. Please help us to be thankful in the midst of pain and terror. For Your glory, Amen.