By Shane Kastler
Life is full of ups and downs; which means life is full of differing emotions. As Christians, we are wise to not let our emotions rule us. Sometimes things aren't as bad as they seem. But then again, sometimes they are worse. Once we move into a season of suffering or pain, we should not be afraid to show our emotions and feel things in a healthy way.
Weeping in one way in which we show emotion. Sometimes we cry tears of joy and sometimes we cry tears of sorrow. When the time comes to cry, we should not hesitate to let our body and our mind do what our emotions are telling us we should do. Pent up grief can be a dangerous thing. But properly dealing with it is healthy.
King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, in which he said, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven... A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) There is a time for all of these emotions; and a time to end these emotions. Crying constantly may be a sign of deeper problems. Just as laughing constantly might be a sign you are not taking life seriously enough. But when it is time to weep, don't be afraid to weep. In fact the shortest verse in the Bible tells us, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)
What would cause the Son of God to weep? Interestingly enough, it was at the tomb of Lazarus, a man whom Jesus already declared that he was going to resurrect. So if Lazarus died, in accordance with God's will; and Jesus was planning to bring him back from the dead; why cry? I think the answer can be seen in the grief that surrounded Jesus. Lazarus's family was distraught and Jesus had compassion for them. He didn't stoically tell them to “get over it” in light of his imminent miracle. Rather, he let them weep; and he even wept with them. This we should also do.
Every moment of life is not meant to be sorrowful. But there is a time to weep. If you need to cry, then cry. If you need to rejoice, then rejoice. If you need Jesus, then call out to him in repentance and faith. The Lord receives guilty sinners and cleanses them from their sin, granting forgiveness. Maybe your sin has led you to weep. If so, then turn to the only one who has the power to forgive you and restore you. He can turn your mourning into dancing and give you eternal life. He knows what it's life to feel sorrow and pain. He also knows what it's like to live in Heaven. Join him there.
Comments