How can "let your tears flow" deepen our relationship with God? Opening Verse “The hearts of the people cry out to the LORD. O wall of Daughter Zion, let your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, nor your eyes rest.” (Lamentations 2:18) Setting the Scene • Jerusalem lies in ruins. God’s people taste the bitter consequences of sin. • In the middle of judgment, the inspired writer commands: “let your tears flow.” • Grief is not weakness; it is God’s appointed pathway back to Him. Tears in God’s Design • Emotional honesty: God created us with tear ducts—He intends us to use them (Psalm 139:13-16). • Divine record-keeping: “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle” (Psalm 56:8). Every tear is noticed. • Christ’s own example: “Jesus wept” at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). The Son of God validates holy sorrow. Why God Invites Our Tears • Clears spiritual vision—confession flows more freely when eyes are wet. • Softens the heart—stony places break open, making room for the Word (Hosea 10:12). • Draws divine nearness—“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • Cultivates dependence—tears prove we cannot fix ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). • Prepares future joy—“Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Practical Steps to Let Your Tears Flow 1. Open the Bible aloud—read laments such as Psalm 6, 38, 51, and Lamentations 3:19-24. 2. Name the pain—specific sins, losses, disappointments. God already knows; speak them. 3. Stay in the quiet—resist the urge to distract yourself; allow silence to deepen sincerity. 4. Turn tears into petition—move from “Why?” to “Help!” (Hebrews 4:16). 5. Expect comfort—“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Promises for the Tearful Heart • God hears: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him” (Psalm 34:6). • God responds: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). • God redeems sorrow: “Our light and momentary affliction is achieving for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • God ends all tears: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). Choosing to let the tears flow is not emotional indulgence—it is obedient surrender. In grief we meet the God who counts every tear and turns them into testimonies of His faithfulness. |
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