No More Tears – Greg Laurie Devotion – April 16, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of Revelation gives us a powerful look into God’s ultimate plan, written by the Apostle John. He received these visions while exiled on the island of Patmos. This book uses strong symbols and pictures to talk about future events, the return of Jesus, and the new heaven and new earth where God makes everything right. It’s a message of hope and victory, even when things look dark.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word ‘tear’ from Revelation 21:4. The Greek word used here is dakryon (δάκρυον). It means a tear, a drop of water that falls from crying. It isn’t just an idea; it’s the real, physical expression of sorrow. When the Bible says God will wipe away every dakryon, it means every single one of those drops of pain you’ve shed, from the smallest ache to the deepest heartbreak.

Grief: An Unpredictable Headwind

You know how life throws curveballs, right? One of the toughest ones we face is grief. It’s like an unpredictable headwind. Sure, we expect it when we lose someone we love. That’s natural. But grief isn’t just tied to a specific mourning period. It’s not something you can schedule or put on a timer. You can’t guess how long it will stick around, or when it’s going to come roaring back without any warning, hitting you hard when you least expect it. It’s a feeling that can catch you off guard, leaving you feeling lost.

Our Savior Knows Your Sorrow

Even though we might not fully grasp grief, you don’t have to face it alone. You have a Savior who completely understands. Isaiah 53:3–4 tells us, “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!” (nlt). You see, He didn’t just carry our sin; He also carried our sorrows. He knew what it felt like to be acquainted with grief. He has a deep, never-ending concern for how you’re feeling inside, for your emotional well-being.

God Collects Your Tears

It’s amazing to think about how much God cares about your pain. The psalmist wrote, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8 nlt). Isn’t that incredible? God doesn’t miss a single tear you cry.

A Personal Encounter with Tear Bottles

I remember a few years ago, I was on a tour of Israel, exploring the old city of Jerusalem with my sons, Christopher and Jonathan. We were just wandering around, taking everything in. At one point in our ramblings, we stopped at an antiquities store. My eyes landed on a number of little bottles, all different sizes and shapes. I was curious, so I asked the shopkeeper, “Sir, what are these bottles for?” He smiled and said, “Oh, those are Roman tear bottles.” I was surprised. “What were they used for?” I asked. He explained, “Well, the Romans believed that when a loved one dies, you need to keep your tears in a bottle. So, they would store their tears in these little containers.”

Now, I have a tear bottle too. But it isn’t on earth; it’s in Heaven. And the best part is, I’m not the one who has to collect my tears. God said He would do that. Why does God keep our tears in a bottle? Because He sees and cares about every single one of them. He takes note of every tear you cry. He hears every sigh you let out. Not one moment of your pain goes unnoticed by Him.

The Promise of No More Tears

Revelation 21:4 repeats this powerful promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (nlt). You can look forward to that day with real hope, knowing that grief will have no place in your eternal life with God. Imagine a life with no more sadness, no more loss, no more hurting. That’s what waits for you.

Finding Comfort and Comforting Others

In the meantime, while you’re waiting for that glorious day, you can take all your feelings of sorrow and loss to the One who made you, who truly understands you, and who knows exactly how to comfort and heal you. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (nlt). He’s not just passively watching; He’s actively involved in mending your hurts.

But it doesn’t stop there. The apostle Paul wrote, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4 nlt). This means your experience with grief, with God’s comfort, isn’t just for you. It’s a gift you can share. No one is better equipped to help someone through their grief journey than someone who has walked that same difficult road themselves. Your pain, once healed, can become a source of strength and comfort for someone else. You’re not just getting through it; you’re gaining something valuable to give away.