Tears have a unique way of expressing emotions, and for some, they are not limited to moments of sadness. I am one of those people who find themselves shedding tears of joy and gratitude, especially during worship. However, these tears are often misunderstood by others, who mistake them for signs of trouble or repentance.
I vividly remember two occasions, one of which took place over 20 years ago. I was deeply moved by the grace of God, and every time I sang my favorite worship song, tears would well up in my eyes. There was a particular day when the melody lingered in my mind throughout the day. In the evening, during a short prayer meeting, the worship song began to play, and my tears started flowing. A concerned individual next to me asked if something was wrong in my life. I reassured them that everything was fine.
Today, during church service, another one of my favorite worship songs was sung, and it stirred my spirit. As the song repeated, I couldn’t help but cry, feeling the presence of God in a profound way. At the end of the service, the preacher called for prayer at the altar. I went forward, kneeling down as an act of worship to God, and tears streamed down my face as a sign of gratitude.
Unfortunately, a lady approached me and said, “Come back to the Lord,” assuming I had been involved in sinful behavior. I felt deeply disturbed by her words, as she had no knowledge of the thoughts in my mind or the dream I had the night before, where I was worshiping God on my knees with tears.While I believe she had good intentions, her words did not provide the comfort I needed in that moment. In situations like these, it is best to refrain from saying anything. You do not know what someone is going through. Offering a comforting touch, such as a gentle tap on the shoulder or holding their hands, can be a more compassionate response. Sometimes, silence can be the most powerful form of empathy. We all have different experiences and emotions, and what may be comforting to one person may not be to another. Instead of assuming, we should seek to understand and support one another.
In this case, another lady noticed my tears and brought me a napkin to wipe them away. Her simple act of kindness spoke volumes and provided the solace I needed. This is another experience and strive to be more mindful of how we approach others in their moments of vulnerability.
It is important to understand that my tears during worship are not solely a result of trouble or repentance. They are my way of expressing worship to Jesus for His grace and mercy. Some people may not comprehend the depth of worship until they have experienced it themselves. So, if you ever see me crying during worship, please respect my worship mode, even if you don’t fully understand it.
“if you ever see me crying during worship, please respect my worship mode, even if you don’t fully understand it.”
– Levi Sap Nei Thang