Brenda’s Blog – November 16, 2021
“I don’t think I can cry anymore.” Her words flowed from a heart broken by extreme circumstances.
“May I tell you about my tears?” was my response. She nodded and I began telling her of a failed marriage, estranged relationships with children, as well as drug addicted and incarcerated grandchildren. Yes, there were times during those years when I thought no tears would ever return – I was emotionally arid.
Then I remembered a small verse in Psalm 56 that told me my Father God sops up my tears, and puts them in a bottle. At some point the thought occurred to me those tears weren’t just stored, but transformed through divine alchemy into anointing oil, and a healing balm. For what purpose?
For that day when someone calls describing her excruciating pain, wondering if I had time to talk. After listening and watching her wipe her tears, there is a holy hush… a sacred silence. She is afraid she has said too much, or shared something I couldn’t imagine experiencing. That is the time the Lord brings out the bottle.
The tears I shed over the years have turned into the most precious of oils, the sweetest of fragrances, and the exact balm she needs. My tears have been saved in order to bring ministry.
The mystery and marvel of His bottle is the way He captures diverse tears from all manner of wounds. He prepares each of our bottles for those who will appear needing the anointing oil. We are all to share in this glorious transformation as we point to the beauty of our sufferings which are used for others.
Praise God that sad, wet droplets or tumultuous, chest-shaking sobs are all gathered by His loving hand with purpose and hope. We are privileged to share in the comforting work of the Spirit as we pour out our bottles in worship and love.