I learned at a young age tears were bad. Crying was discouraged. It was not a good thing to do. I was essentially told I was too sensitive, too emotional, too dramatic. I realized it would be best to hide my crying or face the consequences. Of being looked down upon, judged, criticized, considered strange and different, laughed at. My dear beloved parents probably didn’t know better. They had likely been raised to not cry or to hide their tears. In over ½ century of my life, I can likely count on one hand how many times I have seen a tear or two in either of my parents’ eyes. Letting ourselves cry, and knowing what to do with those tears, no matter the reason, it’s not so easy for some of us. I am so thankful God has taught me what to do with my tears.
From the little I recall of my young years, I am sure I cried a good bit. For decades as a younger adult, I cried in my utter brokenness. In recent years, I cried relatively little. Now, recently, I have started crying once more. This time around, I know what to do with my tears.
I come into the presence of the Lord, commune with Him, pour out my whole heart to Him, cry before Him, give Him my tears, share my thoughts and feelings with Him, pray to Him, seek Him, open the Bible which I read daily, and sometimes come to Him without the Bible open but with my heart wide open to Him. And I find love, mercy, grace, peace, joy, wisdom, forgiveness, rest, comfort, kindness, care, compassion, gentleness, tenderness, protection, refuge, restoration, refreshing, fellowship, friendship, direction, healing, hope, shelter, and gigantic wings to hide beneath – in Him. Yes, day by day I am learning what it means to truly abide in Christ. To put my trust and expectation in Him and my heart and life in His blessed everlasting loving hands. Tears and all.
Now my eyes tear up as I finish this message. How thankful I am to know my tears are not wasted. God sees them. And now God is using the love, sensitivity, compassion, and tears He has given me to help others to know the very best and most precious place to come with our tears is into the glorious presence of God almighty through the Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.”” Psalms 61:2-4 NKJV
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalms 62:8