Sometimes Life Will Make You Cry

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NKJV)

Guys do not like to cry, or be seen crying. Something in our make up or culture tends to restrain us from showing tears. Yet no matter who you are or how “macho” you think you are, there are times in life you are going to cry.

I think one of the ways Jesus showed His humanity was when he cried. He saw the tears and grief of Mary and those with her crying and it pained Him to see the suffering death brought, even as He knew He would bring Lazarus back to life, in that moment He knew the sorrow of loss we feel at death and enduring pain on this earth.

Our human experience brings us constantly into contact with pain and loss. We may suffer the loss of our health, changing circumstances that cost us greatly, and certainly the loss of loved ones. Life brings us pain and tears, sorrow and grief that pours out through our tears.

Yet as Jesus brought joy out of the painful death of Lazarus, we know too that these momentary pains will yield to joy in the end.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)

God gave us the ability to cry for a reason. From the time we are children our hurts and pains bring forth tears to wash away the fear and momentary troubles. Tears cleanse our souls. But a time is coming that there will be no more tears.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

Perhaps the sorrows in your life have brought you to tears. Let them flow, but when they end, look up to Jesus, and let the joy and hope that comes from knowing Him as your Lord give you strength to carry on. And if you do not know the Lord, call upon Him to deliver you from your sins and give you hope and joy for your future.

Prayer: Dear Lord, this life brings us to tears with its pain and misery. We call upon You to lift us up, renew us, and give us strength to move beyond our crying and into Your hope and joy. Amen.

Karlton Douglas

Copyright 2016