Bad news seems to be inevitable. It seems like sooner or later, everyone gets some bad news in one shape or fashion. From job layoffs to cancer – bad news reaches us all.

It was no different for two ancient kings of Israel.

Hezekiah received some bad news via a pretty reliable source. The prophet Isaiah told him, “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.” (II Kings 20:1) I think that qualifies as bad news.

Then, a few years later, another king – Josiah – was told of impending doom on Jerusalem decreed by the Lord as a result of Israel’s constant idolatry. He said, “My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched.” (II Kings 22:17) More bad news.

Both men, though, got through to the heart of God the same way. Both men were able to modify the pending destruction on themselves and their city by use of the same means. What was it?

Tears.

After Isaiah gave Hezekiah his death sentence, Hezekiah prayed and wept before the Lord. Josiah acted similarly and asked God to reconsider. What was God’s response? In the first case, God told Isaiah to go back to Hezekiah and tell him, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.” Josiah was told, “because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord . . . and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you.”

This leads me to wonder how many prayers go unanswered today because of the dry condition of our eyes. How many wayward children are still wayward, how many marriages still struggling, how many churches still lifeless – all because there was no desparation in prayer.

Of course it’s important to remember that David also wept over the life of his newborn baby boy who later died. Tears aren’t an automatic ticket to get whatever we want from God. But it is worth noting that not only does the Lord hear our prayers, He also sees our tears.

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:1,7)