The Day He Wept

SEP 11  / Sunday – Read John 11:1-44 / Romans 12:15

Overview: In our tragedies Jesus cries with us. Feels our pain. One of the reasons he came in human flesh. But Jesus does not weep as one who has no hope or one who is powerless.

12 / Mon – God’s tears  |  Read John 11:1-7, 17-44, note v. 35

When tragedy strikes, questions assail us. Where is God? Why did he allow this to happen? Martha and Mary asked the same questions when their brother died and Jesus wept with them. Where was God? He was right there, sharing their grief. Jesus knew he would bring Lazarus back from the dead in a few moments so why did he cry? Was it to show that, when we are experiencing great sorrow, God weeps with us? God never intended the world to be what it has become.

13 / Tue – He knows  |  Read Psalm 103:13-14 and 34:18 and 62:1-8

God is omniscient, which means he has all knowledge and complete understanding. He is also full of compassion, like a good father is toward his children. He knows our frailty. Are you going through some heartbreak or tragedy? Does it seem like God is far away? Tell him so. Pour out your heart to him (Ps. 62:8). He is close to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit. It is true, even if you see it. When that happens, you have to decide – who will you believe?

14 / Wed – He has felt your pain  |  Read Isaiah 53:3

There is a side of Jesus the man which many people do not consider. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be a man of sorrow, familiar with pain. The one graphic picture we are permitted to see is Jesus suffering in the garden of Gethsemane (Mk 14:32-36, Lk 22:41-44). So when the devil whispers in your head that God doesn’t really understand the pain you’re going through, read these verses to him, and yourself, as a reminder that God does! Will you stand on this truth today?

15 / Thu – He cares |  Read 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 / Romans 12:15

Have you ever seen someone grieving a loss and yet they seem to be at peace? Maybe you yourself have experienced the comfort God brings during times of heartbreak and tragedy. It’s nothing you can fake. Often those who have gone through great loss are able to understand and care for others going through similar loss and pain. How is that possible? These verses give us a clue. Will you mourn with those who mourn and let the comfort God has given you overflow?  

16 / Fri – The importance of telling your self the truth  |  Read Psalm 42:1-11, note v. 3 & 10

David knew what it was like to hear the question Where is your God? As you read this psalm, you notice he speaks alternately to God and then to himself. What sections do you relate to the most? When you have poured out your sorrow to the Lord, great peace can fill you. And then later, it begins to seep away. That is when you need to speak, directly to your self, this truth that will calm your heart and mind. Do not let your self be sucked back into despair.

17 / Sat – Nothing lasts forever  |  Read Revelation 21:1-4 / Matthew 28:20b

Someday, there will be no more death, no tears, no more sorrow, no mourning…ever. Is that hard to believe as you look at what’s going around you? Yet this is what God has promised and he always, always, always keeps his promises! It is this truth you can hang on to as you ride the roller coasters in life. He is the one person you can count on. Even in times when you feel deserted, he will NEVER leave you. Where can this truth bring you stability today?