At Times You Just Have to Have an “Ugly Cry”

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." — Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

Lord, You know the depths of my heart even when I can’t put my feelings into words. Today, I lay myself bare before You—no filters, no masks. Meet me in my tears, comfort me in my weakness, and remind me that You bottle every drop. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Reality of an Ugly Cry

We’ve all been there—face buried in a pillow, shoulders shaking, words stuck in our throat. The kind of cry that doesn’t look pretty in pictures or sound poetic in songs. The “ugly cry” is when emotions spill over without restraint. It’s raw. It’s messy. It’s honest.

In Scripture, we see men and women of God have their own “ugly

cries.”

•Hannah wept bitterly before the Lord for a child (1 Samuel 1:10).

•David wept until he had no strength left (1 Samuel 30:4).

•Jesus Himself wept over the pain and unbelief He saw (John 11:35; Luke 19:41).

God never scolded them for their tears. In fact, He drew near.

Why Tears Matter

Tears are not wasted—they matter to God. They are liquid prayers. Every tear carries a story, a weight, and a plea, and the Lord records them as part of your testimony. He doesn’t just notice them—He treasures them.

Tears are a release valve for the soul. They cleanse the heart of pent-up pain and make space for God’s comfort to enter. They say to God, “I can’t carry this alone.” And that’s when His strength becomes perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Your tears are not a sign of weakness—they are evidence that you are human, and that you trust God enough to fall apart in His presence.

The Aftermath of an Ugly Cry

There’s something sacred about the quiet after the sobbing stops. When you’ve poured it all out, your heart feels lighter—not because the problem is gone, but because you’ve invited God into it. That’s when peace begins to seep back in, often quietly, like the first light after a stormy night.

Reflection:

1.When was the last time you allowed yourself to cry freely before the Lord?

2.What burdens have you been holding back that you need to release in prayer?

3.How might God be using your tears to bring you closer to Him?

“Ugly Cry” - Application

1.Journal What You Released

Write down what triggered the tears, what you told God, and any impressions or comfort you sensed during or after. This helps you see progress later and recognize answered prayers.

2.Go to the Word

Read a few verses that remind you of God’s presence and promises (e.g., Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 41:10, Lamentations 3:22–23).Let Scripture anchor your emotions in truth before you re-enter your daily routine.

3. Take One Small Action Toward Healing

If your cry was over a strained relationship—send a text or make a call to start reconciliation. If it was over an overwhelming task—break it into one small, doable step for today.

4. Practice Self-Care Without Guilt

Drink water (crying can dehydrate you), eat a nourishing meal, take a walk, or rest. Remind yourself that caring for your body is part of honoring God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

5. Share Your Experience With a Safe Person

Sometimes God’s comfort flows through His people. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor to process what you’ve been feeling.

6. Turn Tears into Praise

Thank God for hearing you, for catching every tear, and for the strength to keep going. You might put on a worship song that lifts your focus from pain to God’s presence.

7. Ask God, “What’s My Next Step?”

Tears are a release, but they can also be a doorway to clarity. Pray for direction and write down any guidance you sense from the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank You for being a safe place for my tears. Thank

You for not shaming me in my broken moments but

meeting me there with compassion. Thank You for showing

me that tears matter—that they are seen, heard, and

cherished by You. Let my cries lead to deeper trust and

greater intimacy with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Below are some classic & deeply soulful worship song help to get you through those "Ugly Cries":

1."His Eye Is on the Sparrow" – Mahalia Jackson / Tanya Blount & Lauryn Hill

(God’s watchful care even in tears)

2."I Won’t Complain" – Rev. Paul Jones

(Testifying through life’s valleys)

3."Precious Lord, Take My Hand" – Thomas A. Dorsey

(Crying out for God’s guiding hand in grief)

4."Trouble in My Way" – Luther Barnes

(Encouragement in life’s struggles)

Modern Worship & Encouragement

5."Take Me to the King" – Tamela Mann

(A modern anthem of crying out to God in brokenness)

6."I Need You Now" – Smokie Norful

(A heartfelt plea for God’s presence in the storm)

7."He Knows" – Jonathan McReynolds

(The comfort of knowing God understands your pain)

8."God Provides" – Tamela Mann

(Faith in God’s care even through tears)

Songs About Healing & God’s Nearness

9."Jesus Will" – Anita Wilson

(Assurance that Jesus will carry you through)

10."Praise Is What I Do" – William Murphy

(Choosing worship even in tears)

11."Encourage Yourself" – Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers

(Speaking life to your own soul in pain)

12."Safe In His Arms" – Rev. Milton Brunson

(Resting in the arms of a God who cares)