How To Cry Correctly
Pastor Erickson preaches from John 11:35, the stories of David and Hannah, and Psalm 30 on the first Sunday night of 2026, teaching that there is a right way to cry that brings healing instead of bitterness. He calls the church to leave offense and self pity behind and pour out their hearts honestly to God, trusting that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.
The message in 6 points
Jesus wept
He reads John 11:35 and verses about weeping that ends in joy and reaping. On the first Sunday night of 2026 he gives his title, How to Cry Correctly, a message to help the church leave some things behind in 2025.
1:07:26Babies never lose their voice
A vocal coach once said babies never lose their voice because they cry with full breath and no tension. Many people in seasons of loss, betrayal or a lost job cry wrong, swallowing the pain until it turns to bitterness, but God never shames a tear and Jesus Himself wept.
1:09:44Learning to cry like David
He admits that showing emotion does not come easily to him. David, a giant killer, watered his pillow with tears in Psalm 6:6, and Pastor Erickson says he wants to cry like David cried as well as dance like David danced.
1:17:16Hannah pours out her soul
Hannah, mocked year after year for having no child, wept and could not eat until she poured out her soul before the Lord at Shiloh. She believed the blessing of Eli, her face was no longer sad, and God remembered her and gave her Samuel and more children besides.
1:22:25The wrong way to cry
God wired tears into us as a safety valve, but bottled up grief and offense fester and grow toxic. Using his own hand surgery, he says a wound has to be left to heal instead of being pulled open again, and bitterness makes everything look negative.
1:33:03Tears never get the last word
David poured out honest grief to God and became a man after God's own heart, and weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. After a testimony of God's provision, he calls the church to resolve to cry out to God this year instead of living in pity or offense.
1:45:18
In his words
“The question isn't whether we should cry. The question is, will we cry correctly? Will we cry in a way that heals instead of hardens?”
“See, God wired tears into our souls. They're there. They, they're a safety valve for a heart under pressure.”
“When we cry correctly, honest tears before our loving father become the pathway to healing and strength and restoration and joy.”
Taken word for word from the video, with punctuation added.
Scripture
He reads
John 11:35
Psalms 30:1-12
1I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. 2O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 9What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? 10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. 11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
King James Version.
Psalms 126:5-6
5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
King James Version.
Psalms 6:6
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
King James Version.
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