Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
I often say that I’m about as transparent as plastic food wrap, and it’s true—much to the dismay of my husband, who is reserved. But lately it seems that I’ve developed a tendency to hold back during prayer time. The heaviest burdens on my heart seem to be ones that I sometimes skirt around, lightly touch on, or even ignore. These are requests I’ve been praying about for years with no visible answer yet, or situations that seem so messy I just don’t know where to start. I’m afraid my attitude reveals a cynicism and lack of faith.
I’m always touched by 1 Samuel 1 where Hannah was so caught up in her prayer about her childlessness that the priest accused her of being drunk. Hannah explained that she wasn’t inebriated but was pouring out her heart to the Lord. In the New Testament, we see people pour out their hearts to Jesus about their blindness or infirmity or on behalf of their suffering child.
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our inner thoughts and motivations and what we will do and say. He also knows our need to unburden our hearts before Him. His Word encourages us to confess our sins, confide our deepest longings, and share what is troubling our minds. Jesus wants us to open up to Him, not because He needs to know what’s going on but because we need the reminder that He is with us through it all.
Faith Step: Examine your prayer life to see if there’s a problem troubling your spirit that you’ve been reluctant to discuss with Jesus. Demonstrate your trust in Him by pouring out your heart.
