TEARS IN A BOTTLE

MARCH 19

Psalm 56

Psalm 56:8, “You have…put my tears in your bottle.”

I pulled over to the side of the highway, unable to hold back my tears. I had just taken my beloved dog, Rory, to the vet, and with her body ravaged by cancer, I had no choice but to say goodbye. The weight of it all was overwhelming. Laura’s cancer had already turned our world upside down. I had retired from my role as a pastor, and we had left our home and friends behind, moving far away. Rory had been a constant companion through all of this, but now she was gone. There were tears enough for every goodbye.

Does Jesus care? Not long after my experience, I preached a sermon centered on that question, focusing on the three occasions in Scripture when we are told that Jesus wept. He wept at the funeral of Lazarus, He wept over the impending destruction of Jerusalem, and He wept in the garden, anticipating the anguish of the cross.

Does God care about what you’re going through? In Psalm 56:8, we are told that God “puts our tears in a bottle.” David’s tears, countless as they were, didn’t just fall to the ground and fade away. No, God, being rich in mercy, collected each one. At the root of our tears lies the painful truth that we live in a broken and harsh world, one that produces suffering as naturally as weeds grow. Yet, the One who wept in the garden, who experienced the deepest anguish of all, cares for us profoundly. So deeply, in fact, that He faced the torment of death to rescue us from sin and eternal separation. One day, there will be no more tears—when He wipes every tear from our eyes in heaven (Revelation 21:4). But for now, we have a Savior who, through His own tears, showed us just how much He cares about ours.

“O yes, He cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief.” – Frank E. Graeff

Application Questions: Recall the last time you wept.  What was it that led to your tears?  Have you sometimes wondered if God cares about what you are going through?  Be comforted by the truth of his verse.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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