These tears don't mean I am sad

That is what I said to a friend. I had called to ask her to pray with me. No sooner did I start to speak than the tears started welling up. She was so compassionate. And I was so annoyed with myself. Emotionalism has never been my thing.

As she was speaking words of comfort to me, I realized something. I said, "Don't worry. These tears don't mean I am sad. They are just sweat - mental sweat. I am working really hard at the moment, making an effort to grow spiritually." That helped us move through and past the tears to the subject at hand - a deeper exploration of God's love and present power.

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To go beyond surface material thinking to focus on the deep things of God can demand serious attention and effort. Paul's words encourage a heartfelt devotion in us, when he says, "Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord." (Douay-Rheims Bible, Colossians 3:23)

In a poem entitled "Come Thou," Mary Baker Eddy wrote:
"Faith, hope, and tears, triune,
Above the sod
Find peace in God..." (Miscellaneous Writings, p.385)

If you find your efforts produce tears when you pray or when you are speaking to someone who is praying for you, don't be disturbed, embarrassed or annoyed with yourself. You wouldn't criticize a runner for having a good sweat.

Sweating tears doesn't mean you are sad. It's neither a sign of weakness nor does it indicate the effort is past and the work is done.

Don't be distracted.
Keep your focus.
Move forward.
You are getting somewhere good.

The Psalmist said, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalms 126:5,6)

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