Through Tears to His Mercies

Posted on November 1, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

There is a beautiful waterfall in upstate New York we visited a few times when I was young. The view was amazing, and not just the waterfall, but the whole area was breathtaking, especially at sunset. Why I remember this specific place though is because you could actually walk behind the waterfall. I remember it being loud back there, so much so that you couldn’t think. The flow of water pounding all around me was almost suffocating; not only did it feel like it was pressing in on me, but it also stifled my awareness of my surroundings and obscured that wonderful view… just as if it was unreachable from where my path had taken me.

Every so often life takes us behind the falls of heartbreak with its rising mist of uncertainty and pounding flow of fears. These obscure our view of God’s incredible mercies, glory, and hope that exists just on the other side of our tears.

It was easy to walk out from behind the waterfall in NY and regain perspective; but it’s not so easy to step out from among our anguish and see past our tears of pain and uncertainty. This requires a strength that bubbles up from within that is long-suffering and patient; able to remain steadfast and unmovable, and always abounding in what is greater than us and our circumstances.

Jesus assures us that “in this world we will have trouble.” The Greek word “trouble” in this verse means to “press, squeeze, or crush.” This accurately describes what we experience when we are leveled by tragedy and the anguish our souls endure in the midst of our battles. For the unbeliever, and those who are walking away from God, this is all you’re left with. But for those who believe and have yoked themselves with Christ, it is important we remember that God is not surprised by our circumstances, He remains sovereign above all, victorious over sin and death, and His promise is to love and never leave or forsake us. Even in a world that is crumbling before us, Believers in Jesus know that we will make it through into the presence of our God because we have His Spirit in us as a fount of living power and courage… even if we can’t see Him through our tears. He is always there causing all things to work together for that which is perfect and brings contentment in Christ, for His yoke is easy and gives rest to our striving for peace.

As I catch my breath from battling the current fears, I am reminded again of the lyric, ‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, What if Your healing comes through tears… What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near; What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?”

Through the tears I pray God give me the vision to see His mercies that lie just on the other side of the rising mist of uncertainty and pounding flow of fears. God is Good and Faithful. His promises are certain and His time is perfect… even when obscured by my weakness and pain. May my soul always sing in praise to thee.

Choose wisely….

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever. For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.”

(Psalms 86:3-5, 10-13)

Praying 4 U

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

Think About This: Happy the soul that has been awed by a view of God’s majesty. – A. W. Pink

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20, 2 John| You can download our 2019 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.