A very severe and tragic event in US history was the
forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans in the early 19th century.
Native American tribes, who had struck treaties with and fought alongside the
burgeoning white population, were driven out of their ancestral lands. In the
winter of 1838, thousands of Cherokee were forced to embark on a brutal
1,000-mile march westward known as The Trail of Tears. This injustice resulted
in the deaths of thousands of people, many of whom had little or no clothing,
shoes, or supplies for such a journey.
The world continues to be filled with injustice, pain,
and heartache. And many today may feel as if they are leaving a trail of
tears—tears that go unnoticed and grief that is not comforted. But our Lord
sees our tears and comforts our weary hearts (2 Cor. 1:3-5). He also declares
the hope of a future time not marked by the stains of sin or injustice. In that
day and in that place, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there
shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain,
for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
The God who offers freedom from tears in the future is
the only One who can fully comfort our tears now.
When God permits trials, He also provides comfort.
(RBC)
