Finding Hope and Healing in Our Tears
Summary
There are seasons in life when the tears just won’t stop—when pain, loss, and disappointment seem to overwhelm us. In these moments, it’s easy to wonder if God sees, if He cares, or if our sorrow even matters. Yet, the truth is that God is intimately aware of every tear we shed. Psalm 56:8 reminds us that God keeps track of all our sorrows, collects our tears in His bottle, and records each one in His book. Our pain is not forgotten or wasted; it is sacred to God, and He honors our vulnerability.
Grief is not limited to the loss of a loved one. It can be triggered by any significant loss—relationships, dreams, health, or stability. The Bible acknowledges the reality of grief and offers comfort: God is near to the brokenhearted, He heals wounds, and He promises a day when every tear will be wiped away. Even when we feel alone, God is present, joining us in our sorrow and walking with us through the valley.
Jesus Himself understands our sorrows. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, showing us that God is not distant from our pain. Jesus doesn’t rush us through our grief or demand that we “get over it.” Instead, He sits with us, validating our humanity and reminding us that it’s okay to have moments of deep emotion. Grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to navigate with God’s help.
God is not only a comforter but also a healer. His healing is not always immediate or simple; it often comes in layers and over time. The tears we shed today may become the testimony we share tomorrow. God redeems our pain, using it to shape our purpose and deepen our faith. Though we may endure long nights of weeping, joy is promised in the morning.
Ultimately, our hope is not just for comfort in this life, but for restoration in the life to come. God promises a future where He will personally wipe away every tear, and all pain, loss, and sorrow will be no more. Until that day, we are invited to bring our tears to God, knowing He counts them, shares them, and comforts us through them. We do not grieve as those without hope, for God’s love and healing are ever-present, carrying us all the way.
Key Takeaways
- God Counts Every Tear
God is intimately aware of every tear we shed. He does not ignore our pain or dismiss our sorrow; instead, He honors our vulnerability and keeps record of our tears, not to shame us, but to assure us that our pain is sacred to Him. Even when others may not understand or may try to minimize our grief, God treasures every moment of our brokenness. [13:34]
- Jesus Understands and Shares Our Sorrows
Jesus does not rush us through our pain or demand that we move on quickly. He sits with us in our grief, validating our humanity and showing us divine compassion. The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept,” is a profound reminder that God grieves with us and is never far from our suffering. [19:41]
- It’s Okay to Have Moments—Grief Is Not Linear
Grief is not something we simply “get over.” It comes in waves and can be triggered by memories, songs, or even meals. Allowing ourselves to feel and express our pain is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of our humanity and a step toward healing. Jesus Himself modeled vulnerability, reminding us that it’s okay to have moments when the tears flow. [22:00]
- God Heals the Brokenhearted, Often Through the Process
God’s healing is not always immediate; it often unfolds in layers and over time. The pain we experience can become the foundation for our testimony, as God redeems our suffering and uses it for our growth and purpose. Even in the darkest seasons, God is working all things together for our good, and our tears are never wasted. [25:15]
- Hope Beyond Our Tears—A Promise of Restoration
Our faith does not promise a life without tears, but it does promise a future where every tear will be wiped away. God Himself will bring ultimate relief and restoration, making whole everything that was broken. Until then, we are invited to bring our pain to God, trusting that He will comfort, heal, and carry us through every season of sorrow. [28:57]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:47] - Gratitude for Worship and Praise Team
[02:01] - Introduction to “Good Grief” Series
[02:45] - Prayer for the Sick and Setting the Text
[03:46] - Reading Psalm 56:8
[04:46] - The Reality and Depth of Grief
[06:04] - Grief Beyond Death
[07:28] - Biblical Promises for the Brokenhearted
[08:30] - God’s Perspective on Our Tears
[09:55] - God Values and Records Our Tears
[12:27] - Four Lessons from Psalm 56:8
[13:34] - God Counts Every Tear
[17:21] - Assurance for Those Missing Loved Ones
[19:41] - Jesus Understands Our Sorrows
[22:00] - The Ongoing Nature of Grief
[23:05] - Vulnerability and the Humanity of Jesus
[25:15] - God Heals the Brokenhearted
[26:59] - Purpose in Our Tears
[28:57] - Hope Beyond Our Tears
[29:48] - A Tearless Eternity
[31:08] - God’s Parental Comfort
[32:38] - God’s Response When Tears Won’t Stop
[33:45] - Joy Comes in the Morning
[35:16] - The Healing Power of Tears
[36:20] - Invitation to Bring Your Pain to God
[37:18] - Call to the Altar
[38:12] - Congregational Response
[39:06] - Restoration and Prayer
[40:03] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: When the Tears Won’t Stop
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### Bible Reading
- Psalm 56:8
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (NLT)
- John 11:35
"Jesus wept."
- Revelation 21:4
"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."
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 56:8, what does God do with our tears and sorrows? What does this say about how He views our pain?
2. In John 11:35, what is significant about the fact that "Jesus wept"? How does this connect to the way Jesus relates to our grief?
3. The sermon mentioned that grief is not just about losing a loved one. What other kinds of losses can cause grief, according to the message? [06:04]
4. What promise does Revelation 21:4 give to those who are grieving? How is this different from what we experience now?
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says God keeps track of every tear and records them, not to shame us but to assure us. Why might it be important for us to know that God honors our vulnerability? [13:34]
2. Jesus didn’t rush past the pain of others but sat with them in their grief. What does this teach us about how God wants us to handle our own grief and the grief of others? [19:41]
3. The message says, “Grief is not something we simply ‘get over.’ It comes in waves.” How does this understanding of grief challenge or affirm what you’ve believed about how Christians should handle sorrow? [22:00]
4. The sermon talks about God’s healing coming in layers and over time. How might this process of healing shape our faith or our testimony? [25:15]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared that sometimes we try to hide our tears or feel ashamed for crying. Is there a time when you felt you had to hide your pain from others? What would it look like to bring that pain honestly to God, knowing He counts every tear? [13:34]
2. Jesus wept with those who were hurting. When was the last time you allowed yourself to sit with someone in their pain, or let someone sit with you in yours? How can you be more present with others who are grieving? [19:41]
3. The message said it’s okay to have “moments” when grief comes back, even years later. Are there certain triggers—like songs, meals, or memories—that bring up old grief for you? How do you usually respond, and how might you invite God into those moments? [22:00]
4. The sermon reminded us that God’s healing is often a process, not a quick fix. Is there an area of your life where you’re still waiting for healing? What would it look like to trust God with that process, even if it’s slow? [25:15]
5. The pastor said, “We do not grieve as those without hope.” How does the promise of God wiping away every tear (Revelation 21:4) give you hope in your current struggles? [28:57]
6. The message compared God’s comfort to a parent picking up a crying child. When you are hurting, what helps you feel God’s comfort? Are there practical ways you can remind yourself of His presence when the tears won’t stop? [31:08]
7. The pastor invited people to bring their pain to God, not to pretend everything is okay. What is one step you can take this week to be more honest with God—or with others—about your struggles? [36:20]
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for those who are grieving or carrying hidden pain. Ask God to help each person trust Him with their tears and to experience His comfort and hope.
Devotional
Day 1: God Counts Every Tear
God sees every tear you shed, treasures each one, and holds your pain as sacred; your sorrow is never overlooked or forgotten by Him. In moments when you feel invisible or alone in your grief, remember that God is intimately aware of your suffering, keeping record not to shame you but to assure you that your vulnerability is honored and your pain matters deeply to Him. [13:34]
Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."
Reflection: What is one specific sorrow or loss you’ve tried to hide from God or others? Can you bring it honestly to God today, trusting that He sees and values every tear?
Day 2: Jesus Understands Our Sorrows
Jesus does not rush past your pain but sits with you in it, sharing in your grief and validating your humanity; He wept, too, and knows what it is to mourn deeply. When others may urge you to “get over it,” Jesus offers compassion and presence, reminding you that it’s okay to have moments of sadness and to let your emotions out, for He is with you through every wave of sorrow. [21:27]
John 11:35 (ESV)
"Jesus wept."
Reflection: When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly feel your grief in God’s presence? How might you invite Jesus to sit with you in your pain today?
Day 3: God Heals the Brokenhearted
God is not only a comforter but a healer, binding up your wounds and working through your pain to bring about deeper healing and purpose, even when the process is slow and layered. Your tears are not wasted; they are part of your testimony, and God can redeem your suffering, turning what once broke you into a source of strength and hope for yourself and others. [25:15]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: What is one wound or area of brokenness you need to bring to God for healing today, trusting that He can use even your pain for a greater purpose?
Day 4: We Have Hope Beyond Our Tears
Though life brings seasons of weeping and loss, God promises a future where every tear will be wiped away, and all pain, mourning, and sorrow will be no more; our hope is anchored in the assurance of a tearless eternity with Him. Even now, as you walk through grief, you can hold onto the promise that joy will come in the morning and that God Himself will restore all that has been broken. [28:57]
Revelation 21:4 (ESV)
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Reflection: How does the promise of a tearless eternity with God shape the way you face your present grief? What would it look like to live today with that hope in your heart?
Day 5: God Comforts and Restores Us
When the tears won’t stop, God draws near to comfort, soothe, and restore you, just as a loving parent holds a crying child; He invites you to bring your pain to Him, promising that you do not grieve without hope or comfort. No matter how long the night of weeping lasts, God is present, carrying you through and assuring you that restoration and joy are coming. [31:49]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: In what practical way can you allow God to comfort and restore you today—perhaps through prayer, worship, or sharing your burden with someone you trust?
Quotes
So we don't have to grieve as those without hope. We weep, but not without promise. We cry, but not without comfort. And when the tears won't stop, God won't stop loving. He won't stop healing. And he won't stop carrying us all the way. [00:33:10] (34 seconds)
When he hears our cries, he comes in, he holds us, he soothes us, he comforts us. So whatever is causing our tears today, hold on, it won't be long. Because there's a final end to our tears. Because God has the final say. So when the tears just won't stop, God counts them. When the tears just won't stop, God shares them. When the tears just won't stop, the Holy Spirit comforts us through them. And heaven promises an end to our tears. [00:32:07] (60 seconds)
God himself will wipe our tears. The same hands that created the universe. The same hands that formed us out of the dust of the ground. Will one day wipe all of our tears from our eyes? Every single tear that we've cried God's gonna say he gonna wipe them. Hallelujah. [00:29:03] (42 seconds)
Our faith doesn't promise us a tearless life now but it promises us a tearless eternity. Our faith don't promise us a tearless life and as we navigate this thing called life as we keep life in the way life is we gonna cry we gonna share some tears they gonna be painful but guess what when Jesus comes our tears are gonna become tearless and we ain't gonna have to cry no more. [00:29:48] (60 seconds)
God redeems our pain because Romans 8 .28 says, All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Even in your painful seasons, all things work together. Because what made you cry today just may be a testimony you will preach tomorrow. God uses the tears to right our own purpose. So tears are meaningful. [00:25:27] (44 seconds)
But the Bible also talks about our tears while in our moments of grief. The Bible says about our tears in Psalm 126 verse 5 the Bible says those who sow tears shall reap with shouts of joy. Because elder my tears oftentimes are sorrowful tears. But eventually my tears will be turned from sorrow into shouts of joy. [00:08:30] (48 seconds)
This text reminds us that God doesn't just know about our tears, but he keeps them, he records them, and he values them. Church family, your pain is not forgotten. Our tears are never wasted. God sees our sorrows. He joins us in our sorrow and heals us through our sorrows. [00:10:50] (47 seconds)
We have hope beyond our tears. Revelation 21 4 says he will wipe every tear from our eyes because there will be no more death no mourning or crying or pain for the former things are passed away because heaven will be relief and restoration amen lights heaven will be relief and restoration because everything we lost everything that was broken anything that was wounded will be made whole. [00:27:55] (63 seconds)
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