It's OK to Cry

I have walked through life with the belief that showing disappointment to God is being disappointed in God, saying He is wrong. That showing defeat is saying the Spirit of God inside you is defeated. This held me captive, held me back.

• Yes, I have read Psalms that lament and cry out, but I didn’t think I was allowed to do that for some reason.

Recently, this all changed. I had been in a position in my life where everything was different and new. Where I didn’t feel I had control or contribution. I knew God had a plan so I kept my chin held high and proclaimed, “It is well!” I meant it, but I was still sad. I believed in God’s plan, but was still broken, lost, and incredibly bored (which is a problem for me).

One night, my husband told me through my tears to tell God how I felt. I opened my Bible the next morning to Psalm 102, entitle “Do Not Hide Your Face From Me” in the ESV. I read and prayed the whole thing out loud, allowing myself to cry and to stay on several verses.

• I cried out those words (literally) that I deeply felt and needed to verbally express to my creator.

When I got to verse 12, I began to smile. I was reminded of all our God is, all He does.

• With the weight of my sadness pouring out I finally had room to accept His peace and joy I was searching for!

I continued into the next Psalm, 103, “Bless the Lord.” I finished by singing out loud the song 10,000 Reasons.

I will never forget this experience. It taught me that unreleased sadness, loneliness, and brokenness can inhibit our ability to receive all God wants to give us. It can block His favor and grace in our lives. Just because you’re sad about a circumstance doesn’t mean you're sad with God. You can be disappointed in situations and not in God.

• Refuse always to be disappointed in or by God.

Take the time to express all your feelings to your Heavenly Father. He cares, He already knows, but when we release it verbally to Him, we receive.

Stop holding on, you won’t hurt God’s feelings with your situation and how you feel, but always remember, “But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever.” Psalm 102:12