Honest Prayer: Say It All
"…pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." – Psalm 62:8
Does it seem easier to think about God than to speak with Him?
Maybe we consider ourselves to be very “spiritual” but when it comes to actually talking to God? Silence. Or a rushed, formal prayer that sounds nothing like how we talk to anyone else.
David gives us a different picture in Psalm 62. He's writing during a time of upheaval. Enemies surround him. His position as king is threatened. Yet in verse 8, he doesn't just think about God, he pours out his heart. The Hebrew word here suggests a complete emptying—like turning a vessel upside down until every drop spills out. Nothing held back. No careful editing.
This is prayer as God intends it. Not a performance. Not a theological essay. Just honest conversation with the One who already knows everything anyway.
But what if we find it hard to believe God actually wants this? Maybe we’re think if we’re truly honest, He'll be disappointed in us. Or maybe we want to maintain the illusion of control.
Think about the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through the roof to Jesus. He came needing physical healing. But Jesus first said, "Your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). Jesus addresses the deeper problem first. Our real barrier to God isn't our circumstances. It's our sin.
This is where the gospel changes everything. Jesus didn't die so we could have a distant, formal relationship with God. He died to bring us near. Jesus destroyed every barrier on the cross. Now we can come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Not because we're impressive. Because Jesus is.
God delights in you because you are His child. Your acceptance isn't based on your performance. It was settled at the cross.
So what's stopping you from talking to Him? Is it unconfessed sin? Then confess it. God already knows. He's not shocked. Is it doubt that He cares? Look at the cross again. That's how much He cares. Is it the illusion of control? You never had control anyway.
David says God is a refuge. And a refuge is for those who need help and are desperate. The weak. Those who can't make it on their own. That's exactly who we are. And that's exactly why we can pour out our hearts.
Start small if you need to. Tell God you're struggling to pray. Tell Him you doubt He's listening. Tell Him about your day—the boring parts, the frustrating parts, the parts that embarrass you. He wants the real you, not some sanitized version.
Remember, God didn't save you to keep you at arm's length. Through Jesus, He adopted you. He gave you the Spirit who cries "Abba, Father", or “Daddy.” You have access. He wants you to talk with Him.
Father, You are the God who invites us near, and You delight to hear from Your children. Forgive me for believing the lie that You're distant or disinterested. Thank You that because of Jesus I can come honestly, freely, without fear. Cause me to trust you and see you as the refuge I need.
In Jesus name we pray.
Song: My Redeemer’s Love