The Gift of Tears

I know that there are times in our lives when we have a hard time crying. God has taught me over and over how precious tears are and how He uses them for us and for others. I used to think that tears were very shameful and that people would think I was weak if I cried. Even though many times I could hardly contain myself in a situation, I strived with all my might to hold back those embarrassing tears.

As I have grown in the Lord, He has shown me that the enemy's plan is for us to be afraid and ashamed of those precious tears because the enemy knows that if others see our soft hearts, they will be drawn to us and love us. As we share our hearts with others, we can't help but be tenderized toward one another.

Another important benefit of tears is the cleansing that comes with them. If we hold in all of our pain, hurt or grief that we experience in life, those emotions will eventually overwhelm us and will leak out the cracks in ways that hurt us and others. As I was thinking about tears this morning, I remembered that Jesus cried at least once that we are aware of. I have a feeling that there were many more tears than what is recorded in our Bible and I am thankful that even the God of the universe can grieve openly. God is an emotional being and not a bit ashamed of it!

I have also learned that when we close off those places of grief, thinking that we are protecting ourselves, that we close them off to the divine comfort that our wise Father wants to pour into them.

Thank you Father for tears and the cleansing and softening that they provide for us. I know You didn't make a mistake when You created us complete with tear ducts. We praise You that You made a provision for the grief of this life to be expressed and washed away. Thank You for the gift of tears. Amen