Precious intercessor, the Word of God provides assurance that every tear you’ve shed has not been in vain. The King of Kings holds each one in his hand, all the while carrying your burdens on his shoulders. These tears are more than just drops of salty water. Born out of great care for humans, God fashioned tears with a special design and purpose. Far more than a physical response, the act of crying brings miraculous benefits to the body and soul.  

You have kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book (Psalm 56:8 MSG).

View Comments (17)

Is this verse difficult to comprehend or believe? Could it really be true that God is aware of every tear that has trickled down our faces, as well as the circumstances behind each painful drop?

Recently, my eyes were opened to the importance of tears and why God created them. At the time I had been overwhelmed by the stresses of life, as well as the current political and global turmoil in our world. As a writer, it’s part of my job to research the dark agendas wreaking havoc in our society. At one point, the weight of the information became too much. Unable to hold back my distress, I broke down in tears. Another person witnessed my small outburst and quickly told me that crying would only make the situation worse. They emphasized that my actions were causing more stress to my body and the best thing I could do is to take charge of my emotions. I quickly shut off the tears, feeling rather embarrassed.

For many months after this encounter, I resisted the urge to cry. I thought that maybe I needed a thicker skin, as well as a heart that wasn’t so easily affected by life’s ups and downs. But something happened that I didn’t expect. During this time, I noticed my blood pressure slowly going up. This was very unusual for me because it had always been low and steady. My diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle had not changed, but something else had. In actuality, I was keeping my frustration and sadness bottled up and locked down tight. Even worse, I was not releasing any of it to God. All the while it was building up like a soda can that had been shaken with great force.

My mind went back to the person who told me that crying would only make things worse. As I meditated on their words, the Holy Spirit spoke very clearly to me. There is healing in your tears. At that moment, I realized that perhaps I should do some research on tears and what God has to say about them.

Tears are More Than Just Salt and Water

An article titled “The Miracle of Tears” posted by Answers in Genesis revealed some amazing facts which showcased God’s grand design within human tears. While the most obvious function of tears is to lubricate your eyes, this is only one of many purposes instilled by our Creator. Interestingly enough, tears are more than just moisture because they’re a key component to achieving optimal health, and a positive mental state. God’s blueprint for tears highlights not just His intelligence, but also His mercy and ingenuity. Foreseeing that in a fallen world humans would encounter many pressures, disappointments and stresses in daily life, He made not just one kind of tear, but three. These drops of water would accomplish more than just the physical task of sustaining and maintaining the health of the eyes. They would provide healing to the heart.

Not All Tears are Created Equal

Scientists have discovered that God did not design all tears alike. While they are all secreted by a network of glands, sacs and ducts, their specific purposes are different. Reflex tears clean away harmful debris from your eyes such as dust, smoke, foreign bodies or strong fumes, whereas basal tears act as an essential shield against dryness, protecting your cornea from damage. It is the third type, however, which demonstrates God’s never-ending compassion.

Tears Help Humans Cope with Stress

Known as emotional tears, these drops remove chemicals, stress hormones, and toxins from the body that have been built up during times of hardship, tension or trauma. Moreover, researchers have found that emotional tears also release oxytocin and endorphins, both of which help with physical and emotional pain. Answers in Genesis explains, “Suppressing tears increases stress levels, and contributes to diseases aggravated by stress, such as high blood pressure, heart problems and peptic ulcers.” Repressive coping, (which includes holding back our tears) can lead to anxiety, depression, and a compromised immune system.

Interestingly enough, only humans shed emotional tears — their presence can increase attachment behaviors which encourage closeness and support from family and friends. Crying isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that the heart is working out stressful emotions and circumstances.

Jesus Shed Tears

Jesus knew about crying, weeping and extreme mental anguish. Before his arrest and crucifixion, he felt a deep pain that no human can truly comprehend.

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).

One of the shortest verses in the Bible powerfully states, Jesus wept (John 11:35). Jesus’s friend Lazarus had died and although he knew he could raise his friend back to life, he invariably understood the emotional turmoil that death brings to mankind.

Jesus also wept over Jerusalem. He knew that God’s holy city, temple, and its people would experience great destruction and bloodshed. Not one stone would be left upon another because the people did not recognize the coming of their Messiah.

Jesus understood deep sadness.

He understood political and global turmoil.

He understood sin, betrayal, injustice suffering, and death.

Jesus shed tears and so do we. After all, we are created in His image.

Intercessor, don’t hold back your tears. The Living Water, Jesus Christ, is holding out his hands to catch them all.

Revelation 21:3-5 declares that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. One day there will be no mourning, crying, or pain. The former things shall pass away.

Until then we must live in this broken world where tears will flow like streams of living water. But take heart beloved one, because in the future, all those tears will turn to joy.

Do you believe it? I pray you do!

Lord Jesus, thank you for the miraculous gift of tears, which bring healing to our body and soul. May each drop remind us of your lovingkindness, and the promise of eternal happiness and restoration.

What issues or problems cause you to shed the most tears? In what ways do those tears bring healing?

 Angela Rodriguez is an author, blogger and homeschooling mom who studies the historical and biblical connections between Israel and the United States. You can visit her blogs at 67owls.com and 100trumpets.com. She is also the author of Psalm 91: Under the Wings of Jesus and her first children’s book, Hallelujah’s Great Ride, was just released in September 2023.