Praying Our Tears

There are times when tears overwhelm us, leaving us desperate and in despair. We have thoughts and feelings and we wonder if we are supposed to be thinking and feeling them. We think, “Can I really say that to God? Shouldn’t I be more hopeful and joyful as a Christian?” Psalm 39 and Psalm 126 demonstrate that we can and should pray our tears to God. He understands us, and will turn our weeping into joy.

Psalm 39:7-13,

7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! 9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is You who have done it. 10 Remove Your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of Your hand. 11 When You discipline a man with rebukes for sin, You consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah 12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with You, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”

Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.