From Words to Weeping

Jesus wept.

— John 11:35

And I believe he is weeping now – alongside so many.

I started another one of Shanna Noel’s “100 Days” books last weekend, and I don’t think it is coincidence that one of this week’s readings was called “Tears of Prayer”

This teaching highlighted the significance the Bible places on sorrow and suffering and, yes, even the physical act of crying.

This phrase, in particular, brought me to stillness:

“Crying is a prayer that spills out when our hearts have no words…”

How beautifully tragic is this truth?

God gave us tears to get out what we are not able to express in words. Because at times — like now — words cannot do justice to the pain and sorrow and grief and ANGER inside of us.

But God sees our tears — and He knows. He understands our sadness from the inside out. 

And he promises to be close to the brokenhearted;

& to save those who are crushed in spirit;

& to keep track of all our sorrows;

And — ultimately — to wipe away every tear that has fallen from our eyes. 

He promises [eventually] a life free from the afflictions of this world that are so heavy and heartbreaking that our words turn to weeping.

But until that day, we turn to tears when our hearts have no words. And we weep alongside Jesus.