It’s Okay To Cry

Have you ever been so overwhelmed that there were no words to describe what you’re feeling?  Thoughts and anxieties raced through your head and body. Even your closest friends would be of no help. There are simply no words. All you can do is race inside your room, shut the door, grab your pillow and scream. Your pillow swallows your tears like a sponge, the feathers mute your cries for understanding. Your chest contracts as it gasps for air.  This is your only outlet. You cry and cry until you deplete your reservoir of tears. You’re exhausted. You stare at the ceiling until that exhaustion puts you to sleep.

Ever been there?

Jesus wept.  (John 11:35)

I’m so glad Jesus cried. Crying is its own form of expression that words cannot describe. It’s a language that only goes one way. There is never a response, just an echo of our own cries.

But Jesus understands. He is fully aware of everything that is going through your mind.

… weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Isn’t it amazing how much better you feel after a good cry? It’s like a venting without words. I remember when I was going through a hard time, my mentor told me “If you can cry, cry. Some of the sweetest times you can have with the Lord is when you cry.” Why is that, though?

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

You’re not exactly standing up when you’re crushed. In fact you’re more likely on your knees, begging for mercy.  This is what we should be doing. Focusing solely on the Lord for help. This is our Peter moment, when he said, “Lord save me!” It is complete surrender, and a moment of vulnerability where we allow the Lord to come in.

… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

You should know there are times to appropriately cry. There is a time to weep. But also know that this time passes. This should be extra comforting that our response is okay and that it won’t be forever. We sometimes feel that this immense burden will never end. It’s all we can see right now, but it will pass.

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record? (Psalm 56:8)

Ooooooo, misery. Isn’t that an appropriate word to describe this feeling? Misery. But more good news: He’s with you. Each time. There isn’t a moment in time where He did not see your tears. Not one. Each time one fell, He was there. Collecting them. Carrying your pain because He cares for you.

He will wipe 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. (Revelations 21:4)

Imagine this: You’re a little kid, and no one likes you at school. They pick on you daily, and you feel very small. You feel alone, and you cry. Then your father comes to pick you up. He’s so big and strong. You know that he loves you and cares for you and would die for you. He reaches down and puts his hands on your face and looks at you. You look at him. He then wipes each of your eyes with his thumbs. He then smiles. You smile back. Your fear and anxieties lessen. You don’t feel alone anymore because your father is here.

And you know in your soul that everything is going to be okay.