Crying is the way we let go of hurt and pain. God created tears as an integral part of healing the heart. On the other hand, our world often associates crying with weakness or emotions that are out-of-hand, asking, “What is wrong with you?” In general, most people feel uncomfortable or awkward when they are around someone who is crying.

In contrast, when Jesus saw Mary and Martha sobbing over Lazarus’ death, He wept. That is, He felt their pain and cried with them, helping release the weight of it. In fact, tears are so valued by God that He keeps them in a bottle (Psalm56:8).

When I was young, both as a mother and in my spiritual journey, I tried to be “strong,” denying or pushing down my feelings when life felt hard. However, when the responsibilities of family, work, etc., felt overwhelming, I would get in the shower because with four children it was the only place I could find to be alone.

As the water ran over my face, I talked with God about how hard everything seemed to be. Before long, the tears began to flow, and I cried and cried, not realizing that I was pouring out my pain to the Lord while He cried with me. Even though I was not cognitively aware of my tears’ connection to His valuable gift of healing the heart, my unawareness did not stop the process. Eventually I would step out of the bathroom shower with a renewed spirit, and I could go on with life. The hard seemed easier when I felt God’s faithful love supporting me and giving me renewed hope for the future.

If you are struggling with hurt today, our loving God is waiting for you to pour your pain on Him as He renews, revives, and reawakens your heart, soul, and mind.

“My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?'” (Psalm 42:3).

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35).