God Hears the Voice of Weeping

Background Scripture: Psalm 6-7
Lesson Scripture: Psalm 6:1-10

Introduction

Everyone bears some burden; some are our own, and some are for others. Too often we try to carry them alone, yet God desires that we bring them to Him. Saying that God hears the voice of weeping means not only is God aware of our distresses but also that we are recognizing his care and concern in our griefs. Is it possible that God is waiting for us to allow Him to take our burdens upon Himself? Can we limit God’s help by holding our struggles close to ourselves?

Many of the Psalms were written in sorrow, and it is evident that David was uninhibited in pouring out his heart to God. It is a witness of his closeness to God and of his trust and confidence. Some of the most inspiring passages in the Bible are those accounts of men and women brought to near desperation by sin, grief, or hardship. In crying out to God, they found Him to be their shelter amid the storm. “But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge” (Ps. 94:22).

Key Verse

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh (Luke 6:21).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Psalm 6 is one of the seven penitential psalms that express repentance and sorrow for sin. As David conveys his deep burden to God, he does not openly share what has caused his affliction, but we are led to assume that he has sinned and felt the severity of God’s displeasure. He does not attempt to persuade God by recounting his acts of faithful service; he simply pleads for mercy. He realizes he deserves God’s judgment and only asks that God mete it out with pity, recognizing his frailty. This is a humbled man approaching God on God’s terms.

David’s greatest torment is the feeling of being forsaken—the weight of his punishment would be decreased if he could somehow feel God’s presence. True repentance is the result of hating those things that cost the Savior’s blood. Repentance becomes complete when that which would further lead into disobedience is rejected. It is only then that David, like us, is assured that “the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping” (v. 8). We can be assured that God understands a burdened heart. Weeping needs no interpreter and is universally understood even as words fail. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). The confidence that the psalmist exhibits is not in himself but in God and his graciousness.

Practical Truths for Today

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Ps. 34:15). The Scriptures reveal a God who is not distant or inattentive, but, rather, concerned for the welfare of his children. He yearns for us to come to Him and openheartedly share our burdens with Him. Too often, we remain distant. Shame, regret, and a misguided view of God sometimes hinder us from fully exposing our hearts to Him. When we should feel the need of God the most, we tend to shy away from Him. Recognizing God as the loving, compassionate Savior shapes our willingness to open up our burdens, disappointments, and challenges to Him. He cares, and He is worthy of our trust.

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled” (John 11:32-33). Do you ever question whether Jesus is interested in your needs? Many may feel abandoned in a time of extreme grief, but God is near and gently inviting the grief-stricken to trust Him. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15-16).

“And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. . . . And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:37-38, 48). One of the purest forms of worship is displayed by a penitent sinner pleading for God’s mercy. Here, the offender recognizes God as sovereign and himself as a humble supplicant. This woman experienced true brokenness.

A self-centered life brings many hardships with it, but the greatest difficulty a transgressor may face is God’s displeasure and being estranged from Him. At this point, we can either repent or justify ourselves. Too often many take the latter route, becoming very religious or just endeavoring to be a “really good person” or simply rationalizing their sins away. But God requires brokenness, and brokenness takes place when we truly repent. True repentance is a change of one’s mind, will, intention, purpose, and, consequently, one’s actions. It is a commitment to separate yourself from anything that grieves God. This may bring forth tears of regret. Let them flow; God understands them.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:23-24). As we encounter suffering people, we witness the continuing effects of sin. We can build a wall around our hearts, not willing to let the hurts of others affect us. We do not always have the answer to their difficulties, and, of ourselves, there may be little we can do to alleviate their suffering. But we can care, and we can allow the love of God in our hearts to reach out in whatever way He compels us. We can implore God on their behalf, maybe even opening ourselves up to their need enough that it requires tears. It costs to care and may also involve our time and money.

God created us with many emotions. Our prayers sometimes lack the passion that inspires true fellowship with God. Prayers spoken for the means of trying to make a good impression on God have little value. God desires honesty in our prayers. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Is it hard for you to express how you are feeling to God? One outstanding characteristic of the saints in the Bible is the sincerity, frankness, and authenticity of their prayers. They prayed according to how they felt. Are you afraid that you may offend God? Jeremiah, in a moment of frustration, cried out, “O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived” (Jer. 20:7). The psalmist complained, “I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Ps. 42:9). God never censored them for sharing how they honestly felt. Rather, it enabled God to better reveal Himself and his plan for them. Heartfelt prayers do not necessarily have to be accompanied by tears, and tears alone will not reach up to God, but we can be assured that God recognizes a tearful heart even though the eyes appear dry.

Questions

1. How can we best face adversity with courage yet remain vulnerable with God?
2. Does our relationship with God affect how open we are with our feelings in prayer?
3. How can we become more sensitive to the struggles of neighbors, friends, and the strangers we meet in our everyday activities?
4. What is the best way to cultivate sincerity and honesty in prayer?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).