June 24, 2025 Devo

When I lived in Phoenix, I met a man named Al. Al was the head of an organization that worked with churches and Christian leaders. I set up a lunch to meet him after I got his company’s advertisement in the mail. He did many of the same things that I did in consulting with churches and pastors, so I wanted to learn more about him.
Al was not only great at understanding church life, but as a therapist, he knew pastors and all they went through. At our very first lunch, I found myself opening my soul to him. He was caring. He was wise. He was an extraordinary listener who could hear your heart and not just your words. Al made me feel SAFE. I could pour out my heart to him. He became someone I’ve sought out many times through the years for counsel, insight, and just to golf. He never let me win at golf, but at least he gave me free therapy on the ride around the course! He remains a dear, long-distance friend.
I think EVERYONE needs an Al. Everybody needs somebody to whom they can pour out their heart. And you know what? David reminds us in our verse today that we HAVE such a person! It’s God. Read again what David said. “Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him.” I love that. I NEED that. Not just a God I can teach about or preach about, but a God who understands and one I can bear my soul to.
How about you? Do you need to pour your heart out today? Maybe you’re grieving. You’ve lost someone or something dear to you, and your heart is breaking. You may have people around you who don’t understand why you can’t just “get over it.” So you’ve been stuffing it inside, and today you’re on the verge of tears. Go ahead and let it out to God. Those tears are precious to Him. He’ll comfort you and console you. He’ll let you cry as long as you need. Maybe some of you are so frustrated you’re about to burst. You’re frustrated with work,  your spouse, or your kids. You don’t feel as if there’s anyone you can tell because they all want to “fix it” or tell you how horrible you are for feeling that way. Tell God. Pour your heart out to Him. He made us. He knows how complicated and frustrating people can be. Vent to Him. He gets it. Whatever it is that’s overwhelming you today, go to God with it. You can trust Him at all times with all things.
David says God is a “refuge.” Do you know what that means? God is a Safe Place. He’s a safe place to vent, a safe place to complain, a safe place to unload, and a safe place to pour out your heart. He cares. He’ll listen. He’ll not only hear what you say, He’ll hear what you don’t say. Don’t carry all that stuff around one day longer. Don’t let your hurt, confusion, or frustration come leaking out sideways in times and ways you don’t want it to. Pour out your heart to God. He’s your Friend. He’s your Al. And He’s a whole lot cheaper than any other therapist I know! That’s God’s Word for you today.