The Language of Tears: God Sees Your Emotions
How often have we cried and felt like no one noticed? In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to feel that tears are just a burden or something we should hide. Yet, the Bible shows us that tears have meaning. They are not wasted. They speak a language that God fully understands, and today, we’ll dive into what that really means and how embracing the language of tears can transform your spiritual walk.
What Is the Language of Tears?
First off, let's get this straight—tears are not random. They have depth, intention, and purpose. The Bible says, "I have seen the affliction of my people. I have given heed to their cry. I am aware of their sufferings" (Exodus 3:7). In this verse, God sees our pain. He hears us, and He knows every instance of hurt, heartbreak, and emotional toil.
So, when we cry, God does four important things:
- He tracks our tears: Not a single tear goes unnoticed by God. It’s all recorded because each tear represents something deep going on in us.
- He collects them: Imagine each tear as something cherished by God, as though He’s collecting them in a bottle. You may forget why you cried a few weeks ago, but He hasn’t.
- He records them: In His divine record, God tracks every instance of heartache or joy attached to our tears.
- He wipes them: Our God is a comforting God. Tears are not forever—they’re temporary, and He promises to wipe each one away.
Think about that power for a moment. Your tears don’t fall to the ground unnoticed. Instead, they’re collected, tracked, and valued.
God Understands the Depth Behind Your Tears
Tears aren’t just a facial reaction to your emotions. They communicate deeply held feelings of joy, pain, despair, or hope. And here's the thing: God knows the language of your tears. Just like a mother can discern the difference between her baby’s cries—whether it's hunger, tiredness, or discomfort—God knows exactly what moves your heart.
Psalm 56:8 reminds us, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Even when people around you don’t know why you're crying, God does. Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by life? Guess what? Even those silent, seemingly small weeps matter. God tracks them all.
Why Tears Matter in Modern Christianity
Nowadays, many of us feel like we have to be perfect. Modern Christianity sometimes gives us the message that believers shouldn’t struggle. But, that’s just not reality. We face challenges, we experience losses, and yes, we cry. The Word of God makes it clear that tears are a part of the human experience—especially when you’re living in faith.
There’s a misconception that when you’re inconvenienced or go through trials, God might’ve left your side. That’s not true. God is fully aware of what’s happening, even in moments when you’re shedding tears. In times of loss, heartbreak, or frustration, He is still there.
Remember Joel 2:12? "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning." Sometimes, God allows us to pass through difficult seasons to reawaken our dependence on Him. Your weeping, your mourning—it's all part of a journey back to God. Even Jesus, in His humanity, understood deep sorrow. He wept when Lazarus died, not just for the loss, but because He felt what we feel.
It’s easy to forget, in the fast pace of life, that suffering happens even to the most faithful followers of Christ. And your tears? They are an essential prayer in the language of your relationship with Him.
What Can Tears Teach Us About Life?
Let’s get real. It’s the hard times—the times when we’re crying out to God—that grow us in unimaginable ways. As King David said, we often learn obedience through suffering. When you face challenges and heartbreak, it shapes you and teaches you more than the seasons of ease and abundance ever could.
However, today’s world doesn’t like suffering. Immediate gratification is glorified. Any moment of pain makes us feel like something is wrong, like God has somehow taken His hand off our life. But Paul reminds us, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
In truth, tears teach us that it’s okay to feel vulnerable. Just don’t get stuck. They are a reminder that though pain lasts for a night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Embrace the Restoration Process
Think about the refiner’s fire—you dip metal in repeatedly until its impurities rise and only a pristine reflection remains. Similarly, God might dip us in trials and suffering until He sees His reflection in us. Tough times are part of the process—not punishment. After the tears, there’s blessing. God promises restoration.
When life doesn’t make sense, when heartbreak seems unbearable, when disappointments arise, what do you do? You weep. And that’s okay.
But then, you rise.
Because God wipes those tears away. He transforms mourning into joy. He replaces the ashes of sorrow with a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3). He's not ignoring your pain. He's refining you to draw you closer to His likeness.
How to Find Purpose in Your Tears
If you're struggling to find purpose or peace amidst a season of tears, you're not alone. The key is knowing that God isn't just sitting idly by. He’s actively working through your tears to bring healing, understanding, and even joy.
Here are a few practical steps to find peace and purpose through your tears:
- Acknowledge your emotions. Don’t hide your tears. Speak to God openly about how you're feeling. He already knows, but there's power in voicing your pain to Him.
- Focus on God's promises. When life doesn’t go your way, ground yourself in God’s Word. Meditate on verses like Romans 8:28, His promises to work all things together for your good.
- Reflect on your journey. Just like David, learn from your suffering. Ask yourself what God may be teaching you during this season—whether about patience, endurance, or faith.
- Remember that God is a Comforter. The Holy Spirit is sent to comfort you (John 14:26). Yes, the tears may come, but God doesn’t abandon you in them. He brings peace through the process.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Tears remind us that we’re human. But more importantly, they reveal that God is actively involved in every aspect of our lives. If you’re going through a challenging season right now, hold firm to the truth that God is tracking, collecting, recording, and ready to wipe your tears away. His comfort is real. His plans for your life don’t end with your tears—they begin anew with every tear you shed.
So, instead of being ashamed or embarrassed by your tears, embrace them. Let the language of your tears connect you more deeply with the God who loves you, who hears you, and who will never forsake you.
Want to learn more about how God moves in your life? Head to my website and explore courses that can deepen your walk with Him. Let's unlock these truths together!
I hope this message spoke to your heart. If it did, don't keep it to yourself—share it with friends who need to hear this today. There’s always someone who feels unseen or unheard when it comes to their tears. Let's remind them that God sees every single one.
Have a blessed day! Stay encouraged, and until next time, remember, God's promises are always true.