Crying In The Club
Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
‘You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
A few years ago a Twitter meme circulated with a picture of a man in tears and the caption ‘I don’t know why I’m crying in the club right now.’ It took a life of its own and became a phrase for when someone is sad or upset somewhere where they’re generally supposed to be happy.
But now in the past year, with all that has happened in the world, what was just a joke has taken on a different weight. On the one hand, there is a deep sense of gratitude for the things we have: family, safety, shelter - and yet at times still an overwhelming sadness. The confusion of being sad despite so much to be grateful about, sometimes leads us to talk ourselves out of the pain that we experience as it does not feel justifiable. But in this season I have just been reminded of this simple truth: God cares.
I love that David speaks of God recording our tears; it speaks volumes to the intimacy of a father that loves. There have been some tough days and many of them. It can feel difficult to complain because of the tragedy on a global scale and the toll it has taken on everyone. However, I have been reminded that there is no monopoly on pain - and that there is compassion for whatever we go through from the most difficult trying seasons to something that may seem insignificant. It all matters to him.
I am filled with hope and expectation that a new day is coming. I have the faith for a better tomorrow and that ultimately one day he will wipe every tear. However, I am so thankful for a heavenly father that acknowledges sorrow. A God that sees, hears, and understands.
Prayer – Thank you Lord for your mercy towards me - for caring deeply about the things that cause me pain. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be an ever-present comfort in times of sorrow.