When I Hold You: A 7-Day Devotional for MomsSýnishorn

DAY 4: Tears in a Bottle

Contributor: Amanda Mae Steele, expectant mom

As an expectant mother, I’ve read a lot of books preparing for our baby’s arrival. Many of them seem to gear towards figuring out the root of the crying to help your baby sleep and rest well. 

For babies, crying is essential. In the early weeks, months, and even years, babies and young children have limited ability to communicate and rely on crying to help their mothers, fathers, and caregivers know they are in need. 

As adults, we grow out of crying and instead primarily rely on our words to communicate. Crying may even be seen as vulnerable, weak, pointless, or immature. Yet, there are moments when tears are the most appropriate way of expressing how we’re honestly doing. Thankfully, God cares so much about our tears that the Bible says He keeps them in a bottle.

As I wait for our first daughter to be born any day now, I see babies coo and cry, and I’m filled with excitement and anticipation to hold and comfort my baby. But I have also heard from experienced moms how exhausting the crying can be for a new mother. And that it can cause many tears for her too.

Thankfully, God knows our capabilities. He knows we are made of dust—fragile and easily broken. But we have a strong Father who loves us and never grows weary even when we do (Isaiah 40:23-31). Jewish women used to collect their tears in a literal tear jar - a lachrymatory. Their tears represented their sorry, grief, and pain, and when it was full, they would pour out the contents before the Lord as an act of worship, entrusting their hearts to Him.

God invites you and your baby to do the same, Mama. Cry it out if you need to. Whether you shed tears over big things or seemingly small things, all of your tears matter to Him because He cares for you.