Today I saw a picture of straw, that is the dry hollow stalks of cereal plants after harvesting, not to be confused with hay which still has seeds and leaves. I also saw a poppy growing up through the straw, bringing to mind poppy straw from which opium can be derived as an emotional and physical pain killer for a limited time. This can be an addictive and abused narcotic. The empty straw and the potentially helpful, but temporary, opium which can also be tragically abused, is in direct contrast to God's healing. God's ultimate healing will not be temporary and it will be perfect. Revelations 21:4 tells us, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away".