A few years ago, Carrie bought me a rain barrel. She figured, “We water plants in the back yard all summer, so why not collect some of the rainfall and save a little on the water bill?” We’ve enjoyed many free gallons of water from that rain barrel. But in our semi-arid climate, it doesn’t rain that often. And when it does, it’s often way more than one barrel’s worth of water. Once the barrel’s full, that water has to go someplace. If it is not diverted, the water will overflow right at the foundation of the house, which might cause damage over time. So I either set up other containers for the overflow, or divert the water onto the lawn.
The aqueous expression, “When it rains, it pours” refers to suffering a rapid succession of difficulties. And sometimes our souls act like rain barrels. All the stuff of life fills them up to the point we feel like we’re going to burst. We successfully conceal it for a long time until eventually something puts us over. It could be anything—relationship problems, worrisome children, work frustrations, financial difficulties, even a broken-down car or appliance. But suddenly, it all feels like too much, and the emotional dam breaks.
And usually it hits close to home, and like the barrel dumping excess water at the house foundation it makes those closest to you the brunt of your angst. Some may scream and yell, others slam doors and isolate. I actually punched a wall once. (Not recommended.) So how does all this emotion get safely diverted, where it might not only avoid collateral damage, but also do some good, like my watering the lawn?
David reveals the outlet in Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
and Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
When we pour out our hearts to God instead of acting out in frustration, it’s more than a cathartic experience. We connect with the Great Shepherd who restores our souls (Psalm 23:3). When we remember at such times we have bold access to the throne of grace, we can find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
People pour out their hearts in a variety of ways. Some get in the car and drive, yelling their frustrations out to God until they settle down. Others furiously write or type it all into a journal, or sing their hearts out to God with a guitar or keyboard. (I think that’s exactly what David did— Psalm 61 is prefaced with “on a stringed instrument.”) There’s no right or wrong way. The point is to pour out your heart to God when your heart is overwhelmed. And why wait until the dam breaks? God designed us for relationship with Him. He wants us casting those cares on Him all through the day, before they mount up (1 Peter 5:6-7). How do you pour your heart out to God?
