I Can’t Stop Crying

Several years back, like 20+ years ago, I had the most amazing prayer time which I haven’t ever had to experience again. 

It was an early morning and I was having a difficult time clearing my mind while trying to pray. Thoughts were swirling in my head and I just couldn’t get focused on a conversation with God. 

In my frustration, I changed my prayer to, “Please clear my mind so we can talk” 

I then sat quietly. I didn’t try to talk with God, I just listened. As the minutes passed my mind cleared and my conversation with God began to flow. 45 minutes later, my thoughts were so deep it brought tears to my eyes. 

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. - Philippians 3:18

When Paul was writing to the church in Philippi, he opened his letter letting them know how he always prays for them. He then spends the rest of his letter explaining what he prays for, what he desires from them, and how he is troubled by those who are against the church. He is so moved about those against the church that it brings him to tears. I believe he is moved not for their actions but for their need of Christ and forgiveness as demonstrated by their actions.

It’s an amazing place to be so deep in prayer, so close to God, and'/or so emotionally moved about someone else that it brings you to tears. 

I stated earlier that I haven’t ‘had to’ experience that type of prayer again. What I mean by that is, ever since that night of prayer, I’ve not had difficulty focusing on God, not only in my prayers, but also throughout my day, and in every decision. There are, of course, many times when I am not directly focused on God, but because of the relationship I have with him, he is always on my mind, like a best friend. And because of that, I feel his presence and hear his voice in my heart, even when it’s a whisper. 

If your relationship with God isn’t at that point, or it hasn’t been there in a while, maybe you just need to have a time of listening to God for a while. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we should “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.” However, it’s called a ‘Quiet Time’ for a reason. 

Psalm 23:1-3, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

Be still, be quiet, and let the Lord restore your soul.