The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-20

Crying is a bad thing. Generally.

Long ago I visited in the home of a family who had recently been blessed with a baby. It was their first. You could tell.

For a few hours, they showed off their child. They even mustered the courage to pass their baby daughter around for people to "OOOHHH" and "AAAHHHH."

Then, when their little girl started to get crabby, they reluctantly put her down for a nap. That was around 1:00. It was a sad separation. An hour-and-a-half later, their baby hadn't stirred. Not a peep. Experienced parents usually call that a "good" baby. But, as I say, these parents were untried and untested. At 2:30, the mother, with concern in her voice, instructed her husband, "Honey, you had better get up and go see why the baby's not crying."

With so much pain and hurt in this world, I am constantly amazed that everybody isn't crying all the time.

The lack of tears can be attributed to some people who try to be strong and put on a brave face when confronted by life's difficulties. Others don't cry because they're simply strong by nature. Still others don't cry because they're clueless as to the tragedies which are flowing around them.

Do you fit into one of those groups?

I pray you're God's person who has found strength in Him. It is the Lord's desire that you know, as the ancient Psalmist knew, 'the Lord is near to all who call on Him to all who call on Him in truth."

By the Holy Spirit's power, and with divinely given faith in the Savior you have found security in knowing the Lord will listen to your fears and help you when you feel like crying. Through the Savior's sacrifice and victory over sin, death, and Satan you know the Lord will give you the strength which will enable you to conquer your tears and move on past - to the joy of Jesus.

I pray, most sincerely, trust in God is the reason you are smiling and not crying.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are my strength and source of consolation when I feel like crying. Thank You for hearing and answering my pleas for assistance and aid. I rejoice in all that You have done and continue to do for me! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 139-141    John 17

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