It’s Okay to Cry
A Morning Thought From Jimmie Aaron Kepler
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Living with a chronic illness—or walking beside someone who is—will bring tears. That’s not weakness. That’s not failure. That’s just life being honest. And friend, it’s okay to cry.
Some days, it’s the quiet ache of fatigue that won’t let go. Other days, it’s watching someone you love fight a battle their body doesn’t seem ready to win. And then there are the days where the tears come out of nowhere—no warning, just a wave. I’ve learned not to fight them. I’ve learned to let them come.
And here’s the beautiful truth tucked away in God’s Word: He sees every tear. He remembers every sorrow. And He’s for us, not against us.
📖 Today’s Scripture
Psalm 56:8-9 (KJV)“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”
I love how personal this verse feels. King David, worn and weary from being chased and misunderstood, still believed that his tears mattered to the Almighty. He believed God kept track of each one, collecting them like precious pearls in a bottle. That’s not just poetry—that’s divine care.
💡 What It Means to Me
God doesn’t waste sorrow. He doesn’t overlook tears. And He certainly doesn’t dismiss our pain as something we should just “get over.” No, He sees. He remembers. He heals.
David’s confidence in the Lord’s attention gives me strength. He wasn’t ashamed to cry. He knew the One who counted every step he took and every tear he shed. That same God knows you. Knows me. And, praise His name, He’s for us.
🙏 A Prayer From the Heart
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of tears and the healing they bring. Remind me that crying isn’t weakness—it’s honesty. It’s release. It’s the soul’s way of saying, “This matters.”
Lord Jesus, thank You for not brushing aside our weeping. For joining us in the garden of grief. For showing us by Your own example that it’s okay to cry.
Yahweh-Rapha, God who heals, I give You the chronic illness—the weariness, the worry, the long nights, and the uncertain tomorrows. Please grant me and my loved ones the grace to feel what we feel, and to come to You with every single tear.
Let my family be a soft place to land when the sorrow wells up. Help us all be gentle with one another. Loving. Supportive. Kind.
And when I’m tempted to question, Lord, help me trust instead. Help me rest in the confidence of David, who boldly declared: “God is for me.”
Amen.
Tears may fall, but they never fall unnoticed. And sometimes, the holiest thing we can do is let them come.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Poet. Storyteller. Encourager of souls.
💡 Need More Encouragement for the Journey?
If today’s message about chronic illness struck a chord, you’re not alone. I’ve walked that road—and I wrote a devotional book especially for folks like us navigating the long, winding path of chronic illness.
Whether you’re facing the diagnosis yourself or walking beside someone you love, this book offers heartfelt prayers, biblical wisdom, and honest encouragement for each step of the journey.
👉 Looking for hope, peace, and direction?
You can learn more and grab your copy right here: [Prayers: Prayers for the Chronically Ill: 60 Prayers]
Because you don’t have to walk through this alone—and God’s love still speaks into the hard places.
Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print
