Catch My Tears

by Lois Saff
(Shokan, NY)


Lois Saff:
I have heard it said many times that God holds our tears in his hands, but why would God hold our tears in his hands? Wouldn’t a loving Father wipe our tears, not catch them? And what good would it do to catch tears? Tears are salt water and salt water isn’t good to drink, or water plants. Its great for fish, but we are more precious than fish and need fresh water.
Our God is a God of purpose and love. So what was the purpose of catching tears? I asked God and pondered the question. It seemed to me that the answer must lie in some kind of transformation, turning salt water into potable water that can be used to quench a thirst or make flowers grow. Somehow purifying it.
Then it hit me. Purifying us is what Jesus did on the cross. The hand of our God is also the hand of our Savior, and the hand that catches tears is also the hand that was pierced for our benefit. Any tears that fall, that roll down to the lowest point, the scars of crucifixion, pass through the opening and are then caught in His bottle.

“You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle—are they not in Your book?” Psalm 56:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Jesus promises to give us living water. What a wonderful thought that He can take water that isn’t good to help a human live and turn into purified, bottled water that can be used for nourishment, for growth in Him.

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 ESV

God takes what is deep in our hearts, the broken places are that manifest in tears. He purifies them, bottles them and uses that bottled water to quench us, heal us, and fills us with living water. He did it for me, He does it for all who love Him.

Catch My Tears
Acrylic on Canvas,
By Lois Saff
June 2014 at Rekindle Your Fire for God Event


Sara:
Thank you for your encouraging post.
Searching for the various occurrences of the word "tears" in the Bible made for a fascinating study.
I discovered that there is not any reference to God "catching tears" in the Bible.

However, I do appreciate your imaginative take on the often used expression.

I discovered some beautiful verses about tears that are certainly worth sharing here. I've listed my favorite verses below that give us a glimpse into the heart and intent of God as it pertains to our tears!
  • 2Ki 20:5
    Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

  • Psa 116:8
    For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

  • Psa 126:5
    They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

  • Luk 7:44
    And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

  • Then this one about the tears that Jesus shed.
  • Heb 5:7
    During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. NIV

  • Finally,
  • Rev 7:17
    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Rev 21:4
    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

  • Comments for Catch My Tears

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    That's correct
    by: Lois Saff

    You are correct Sara that there is not specific reference for God catching our tears. The verse actually says that he collects them in his bottle, which is why I altered my original vision of the painting to include the bottle at the bottom.

    I do find it interesting that I often heard respected biblical teachers say that, which is what started my reflection on the topic.

    Thanks for the supporting verses. I appreciate your site and sharing with other Christian artists.

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