Suffering and Sorrow

Do You Trust God With Your Tears?

February 18, 2022

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"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

 

I don't want anyone to notice the water threatening to pour out of the corner of my eyes. So, I intently focus my gaze on the ground while I hike the trails in my neighborhood.

There is a battle between my head and heart; should I let my tears have their way, or should I anxiously dam them up?

Like me, do you ever fear a flood of emotion will overwhelm your soul to the point of drowning? Even worse, what if upon seeing your tears, familiar faces avert their gaze, ignoring you as you sink beneath the sorrow?

All the same, I long for a release of the pressure welling up in my chest. I crave a warm embrace, a gentle prayer, and the understanding gaze of a friend who "gets it."

However, words fail me, so how can I explain what I'm feeling to anyone else? I barely comprehend it myself. Yet when words fail, maybe I need to let the tears fall into the hands of the God of all comfort.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul praises God, who comforts him in all his afflictions.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

The Greek word for "comfort" means to come alongside and help. Paul experienced firsthand that God isn't indifferent or passively sympathetic. Instead, God actively comes alongside us to strengthen us when we are spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically weakened by trials. He also calls us to do the same for others.

I wonder, what painful situation leaves you unable to utter one coherent word to any human who dares listen? Is it the pain of a significant loss accompanied by overwhelming grief? Maybe it's the shame of trying your best to follow Christ, yet failure mocks at every turn? Or perhaps you are dealing with heartache in so many areas of your life you can't see straight.

Remember, we have a God who loves us so much that He sent his only Son to die for us (John 3:16). He who covers our sin can also be trusted to comfort us in our sorrow. So, let the tears fall. Sometimes, tears communicate more adequately than words.

And sweet friend, while the water rushes down your cheeks, you needn't be swept away by the sorrow. God provides a lifeboat through the promises in His Word. Every promise safely carries us straight into the arms of the God of all comfort. Afterward, God will call us to be the friend who comes alongside others in their sorrow instead of passively looking the other way.

Heavenly Father, thank you that I can trust You to provide mercy and comfort in whatever suffering or sorrow I face. When sadness threatens to overwhelm me, help me turn toward You. Show me how to come alongside others in their pain instead of turning away. Amen. 

 

Apply It:

How have you experienced God’s comfort in the middle of suffering or sorrow?

How can you specifically come alongside someone who is hurting today?

 

More Truth to Consider: 

Psalm 121: 1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (NIV)

 

Do You Ever Feel Alone in Your Heartache or Struggle? Click the Button Below to Get a Copy of 10 Truths For The Sorrowful Soul!  

  1. Sherry G says:

    Thank you for this message Beth. I have been so busy, and just sat down to read it today. Ironically, today would have been Jackson’s 19th birthday. How fitting. Thank you for sharing your heart and your mind in revealing God’s Word to those who need it. Love you and honored to call you friend. ❤️

    • Beth Knight says:

      Love you, sweet friend. I will always remember your sweet Jackson. What a blessing he was to all who knew him. I pray God continues to comfort your aching mama heart.

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