The Benefits of Weeping
How do you respond when seeing someone cry? Do you feel uncomfortable or awkward, perhaps believing that weeping is indicative of weakness? Even Jesus wept: over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44); and for His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). There are so many reasons why we cry, and many are indicated in the Bible:
Tears of and frustration/ bitterness: Esau, for the loss of his father’s blessing (Gen. 27:38)
Tears of grief: Abraham, for Sarah’s passing (Gen. 23:2)
Tears of separation: David’s loss of his relationship with Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:41)
Tears of regret: Peter, when the rooster crowed the second time (Mark 14:72)
Tears of repentance: Mary, at Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:38)
Tears of loss: Mary Magdalene, at the loss of Jesus’ body (John 20:11)
But we see also that weeping is not restricted to being a negative display of emotion:
Tears of joy: Joseph, after meeting his father Jacob after many years (Gen. 46:29)
Some might say that there is little point in crying, because nothing changes in our, or the world’s, situations whether we cry or not. So, are there any practical benefits to weeping, beyond exhausting our feelings? Absolutely!
- The promise of ultimate joy
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. (Ps. 126:5, 6)
When we are at the end of ourselves, it seems there is nothing left to give except our tears. But the good news is that these very tears will be instrumental in promoting great joy. See also The Valley of Baca (Tears) in Psalm 84:6, 7. The Psalmists were not ashamed of their tears – neither should we be. In fact, they served as a reminder of the God who understands our struggles, and is safely leading us through the dark valleys to a new, and abundant life. Also read what Jesus said in Luke 6:21…………
- Our tears are not hidden from God
David says that our tears are recorded on a scroll, or held within a bottle (Ps. 56:8). Imagine that! He keeps record, because He is a personal, intimate, and caring God.
- A closer relationship with our God
The daughter of a famous church minister was born with defective eyesight, and from the age of three, had to wear glasses. One day, she fell over and hurt herself, grazing her hands and knees. Her glasses fell off and she was in a mess, her eyes overflowing with tears. The minister took his daughter into his arms to comfort her, and as he picked up her glasses to return them to her face, she stopped him. Between sobs she said, “Daddy, I don’t need glasses when I cry because I can see clearly, I can see your face clearly.” The tears in the child’s eyes acted as temporary magnifying lenses so she could see her father’s face more clearly.
There is a deep spiritual truth here: the one who approaches our Heavenly Father humbly with tears in their eyes, will have a new perspective and awareness of His presence, love and care (Ps. 34:18, 19).
Bill Sayer