Tears in a bottle

As 2021 draws to a close, I imagine we’re all a bit skeptical of what awaits in 2022, understandably so. Which makes me especially grateful for the enduring truth that God holds all of our days in his hands.

This time last year most of us were probably thinking, “Wow, it’ll be so nice to have 2020 behind us.” Only to quickly discover that more of the same awaited us in 2021. Any way you look at it, it’s been a difficult last two years. So much heartache and loss, and yet it hasn’t been without incredible joy and blessing. God is so faithful to bring joy out of pain.

As he promises in 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.

TEAR JARS from New Lens Biblical Studies with Kristi McLelland

He loves you and me so much that he collects our tears in a bottle. Not one of them goes to waste. He sees every hurt and, in his faithfulness, uses those hurts to draw us to him and to shape us for eternity.

In the biblical world, Jewish women used tear jars to store their tears in times of grief and lament. I love it that the Creator of the Universes chose a commonly known practice to communicate the depth of his love and compassion for us.

Would you like to have a tear jar as daily reminder of God’s presence and care? Or do you know someone who’s had a particularly hard year who could use this reminder? Usually $45 each, these particular tears jars are currently 50% off at New Lens Biblical Studies.

The tear jar pictured above (named Live Like a River) is my personal favorite, but Kristi has others left too. Click to see the entire collection.

Finally, can you use prayer for a particular situation in your life right now?

Yes, we sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” and it is as we remember and celebrate Christ coming in the flesh to make his home among us. But it’s also a difficult time of year. Is this your first Christmas without that dear loved one? Is this season an especially stressful one for you? Is everyone coming to your place and you’re feeling totally overwhelmed? Is a loved one sick or going through a really rough time?

Here at Inspired by Life and Fiction, we’re a community who prays for each other. And whatever is on your heart this week, only four days before Christmas, we want to pray for you. Just leave your request in a comment below and we’ll ask the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf.

I’d appreciate your prayers for Esta, my step-mom, who has pancreatic cancer. She’s just out of the hospital. Again. Esta is a jewel of a woman. She and Dad married when she was 79 and Dad was almost 80. They had been childhood friends and I love how, after Mom died, their paths crossed again. Dad’s been gone for over two years now and Esta still misses him dearly, as we all do. So I’d appreciate your prayers for her—for healing as the Lord wills, and for comfort and strength for her through the power of His Spirit. Thank you, friends.

I’m praying blessings and JOY for you in 2022, a year that God holds securely in his hands. Just as he does you and me, if you’ve surrendered your life to Christ.

Merry Christmas, friends, and see you again 2022,

Tammy

In anticipation of the release of Redeeming Love, the movie on January 21 (tickets are already on sale!), I’m giving away SIX Francine Rivers’ books this month on my website. Want one for your or a friend?

Enter today!

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Published on December 21, 2021 04:22
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