“You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” (Ps. 56:8).
God keeps very accurate records. Not only does He record our thoughts, words, and deeds but He also keeps account of our tears. This verse tells us that they are all recorded, stored up, and filed away in heaven’s treasury. Two types of tears are especially dear to God:
TEARS OF INTERCESSION. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. John Knox shed tears over his beloved Scotland. Evan Roberts interceded for Wales with tears. Charles Finney shed tears for the dreadful plight of colonial America. All tears shed in intercession are kept for a memorial.
TEARS OF JOY. Whenever a prodigal returns home, a loved one is born again, a lost sheep is found, it is quite natural for tears of joy to well up and flow out. These tears are also kept for a memorial.
A man once came to our town who was billed as “the man who can neither smile nor cry.” A reward was offered to anyone who could bring a smile to his face or tears to his eyes. No one collected. It was sad in a way to see people follow him around, trying in vain to make him respond. There was no reward for their efforts but a lonely vacant look in his eyes.
Tears are an indication of a tender heart. Hard-hearted people cannot weep. It is a spiritual distinctive to be so sensitive, so tender, that you can rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15).
All our tears are kept as a memorial for us. They are not gone; we will meet them again. One day we will be rewarded by them and for them. O blessed day!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.