Does God Cry?

I think I've changed my mind on my own personal theology.

This week has been overwhelming with bad news and tragedy.  First the bombings in Boston.  Then the letters filled with poison in D.C.  And now, this horrific fire and explosion in Texas. 

Are you, like me, wondering - what in the world is going on here?

I've said many times that God is not sitting on the sidelines of our lives, pacing up in heaven, wringing his hands with worry, wondering what will happen next.

No way.  God is beyond those things.  While he is capable of worry - he is capable of all things - since he is the one - the only one - who created all things, knows all things, is everywhere with everyone all the time - why should he worry?  God, my friends, has nothing to worry about!

So I haven't changed my mind about that. 

But I used to think that God doesn't grieve or cry, because of the reasons stated above. 

I think I have changed my mind about that!

There are a few reasons why.  First, we know that Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died.  You can make the argument that while Jesus is God, he is also man, so maybe the weeping was a result of his humanness.  However, we know that while Jesus was fully man, he in no way sinned or ever did ANYTHING that would separate him from God the Father.

Second, in Romans 8:26, Paul says that God the Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans.  Now, groaning does not seem like a happy emotion to me.  Seems like a metaphor for pain and mourning.  Seems like a cry to me.

So if God the Son cries, and God the Spirit cries, why couldn't God the Father cry? 

We are made in God's image, with his characteristics.  The Bible is full of advice about mourning, including when to mourn.  If God tells us to mourn, and we are like him, isn't it possible that he also mourns?

Finally, I know God.  I don't know everything about him, I'm still learning a lot.  But I've come to know him pretty well by now.  When tragedy strikes the creation he loves, is he so far removed from us that he doesn't feel our pain?  And just like we cry with each other, doesn't it make sense that God may join in on our tears?

The great conclusion about this is that while God may join in our sorrow, he doesn't become depressed.  He isn't incapacitated with grief.  He's never overwhelmed with emotions he cannot handle.  This is the one who created the emotions!  Of course he can handle them!

I say all this to hopefully bring comfort.  Our great big God knows us intimately, knows our hurts and fears, and he cares.  He walks beside us, feels our pain, shares our mourning.  That brings so much comfort to me! 

Reminds me of a song:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

• Refrain:
  Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
  His heart is touched with my grief;
  When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
  I know my Savior cares.

 Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Does God care?  Oh yes . . . He cares.