When I Cry
Makin' a list of all of the good things You've done for me
Lord, I've never been one to complain
But right now I'm lost and I can't find my way
My world's come apart and it's breakin' my heart
But it helps to know Your heart is breakin' too
When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothin' breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry
Alone in the dark, face in my hands, crying out to You
Lord, there's never been a time in my life
There's so much at stake, there's so much to lose
But I trust it to You
You'll bring me through
And it helps me to know that I'm not alone
When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothin' breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry
You're the one who calmed the raging sea
You're the one who made the blind to see
You looked through all of heaven and eternity
And through it all you saw me...
When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
And when I've lost someone it takes a piece of You, too
When I fall on my face, You fill me with grace
Nothing breaks your heart, or tears you apart
Like when I cry
When I Cry
When I Cry Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on August 24, 2012, the song "When I Cry" by Marshall Hall and Guy Penrod steps gently into the often-unexplored space of lament, offering a profound comfort rooted in biblical truth. Rather than presenting sorrow as something to be quickly overcome or hidden, the song gives voice to the raw reality of pain, tears, and confusion, and then unveils the extraordinary truth of God's presence within that very space. It’s a poignant exploration of the human condition facing difficulty and finding divine solace not *after* the struggle, but *in* the midst of it.
The song’s central message revolves around the counter-intuitive yet deeply scriptural idea that our moments of greatest vulnerability and sorrow are precisely when we are most profoundly met by God. It moves past platitudes to acknowledge that crying isn't weakness; it's an honest expression of a soul in distress. The narrative painted is one where our tears are not overlooked or dismissed by the Divine. Instead, the song suggests a God who draws near, who witnesses our pain, and who is intimately involved in our suffering. This perspective aligns powerfully with verses like Psalm 34:18, which promises that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The song translates this ancient promise into a tangible, personal experience.
Furthermore, the song beautifully echoes the biblical concept of God collecting our tears. Psalm 56:8 speaks of God putting our tears into His bottle, listing them. "When I Cry" seems to grasp this profound image, suggesting that our moments of deepest anguish are not forgotten but held precious in the sight of God. It portrays God’s response to our tears not just as sympathy, but as active, comforting presence. It’s a reminder that even when words fail us and all we can do is weep, God hears the cry of our hearts, much like the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express, as described in Romans 8:26-27. This perspective transforms crying from a sign of defeat into a form of prayer, a language understood perfectly by the Divine.
The vocal delivery by Marshall Hall and Guy Penrod enhances this message significantly. Their voices, distinct yet complementary, convey a depth of emotion that feels authentic and lived-in. There’s a sincerity in their performance that lends weight to the song’s sensitive theme. The arrangement supports this vulnerability, creating a reflective atmosphere that invites personal connection to the lyrics. It’s not a performance aiming for flash, but for honest resonance, providing an anchor of hope for anyone navigating a season of difficulty. The combined effect is a sound that feels both strong and tender, much like the God it describes – powerful enough to hold the world, yet gentle enough to care about a single tear.
Ultimately, "When I Cry" serves as a powerful encouragement to those wrestling with pain, grief, or uncertainty. It calls us to bring our true selves, tears and all, before God, trusting in His unwavering presence and compassion. The song is a musical affirmation of the promise found throughout Scripture that we do not face our struggles alone. It reminds us of the ultimate hope found in passages like Revelation 21:4, where every tear will one day be wiped away, but it focuses on the immediate, sustaining truth: even now, in the crying, He is there. This makes the song not just a reflection on sorrow, but a hopeful testament to the steadfast love and nearness of God in every season of life.
