It's Safe to Be Vulnerable With God

“Behold you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”- Psalm 51:6

Vulnerability With God

As we grow in our intimate connection with God it’s important to learn to be vulnerable with God.  Some believe vulnerability makes us weak or feel out of control. Others are afraid to be vulnerable with God because shame tells them they are not worthy.  The truth is vulnerability is the gateway to connection. 

When I was going through a particularly stressful season in our ministry life, I learned about the vulnerability of King David as described in the Psalms.  David’s words are raw, honest, almost painful in their vulnerability. He pours out his heart to God like nothing I’ve ever seen.  He would become the model I used for my relationship with God.

Let’s look at an example:  Psalm 142:1-7

“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.  I pour out my complaint before him; before him, I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge.  No one cares for my life. 

I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion, in the land of the living.  Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.  Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.”

David is experiencing deep sorrow.  He feels abandoned and in need. He feels emotionally exhausted and weak, but instead of hiding from God, he runs to God and pours it all out. There’s no hesitation, or mask. David feels seen, understood, and heard.  He then goes on to declare the goodness of God.  What a beautiful way to relate to God.

Vulnerability Leads to Connection

In her book, Daring Greatly, Brene Brown says this about vulnerability:

“Our rejection of vulnerability often stems from associating it with dark emotions like fear, shame, grief, sadness, and disappointment-emotions that we don’t want to discuss, even when they profoundly affect the way we live, love, and work. Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.  If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” 

So you see, vulnerability is the pathway to a deeper connection with God.  Here’s one truth that will help you feel safer with God.  God already knows everything you’ve done, thought, said, or will say, and yet, He loves you, completely.  We cannot wrap our heads around this unconditional love and acceptance.  It’s too great to comprehend because our human relationships are filled with the opposite. 

God is compassionate, kind, slow to anger, abounding in love, gracious, forgiving, faithful, and able to redeem any heart turned towards Him.  This is a God we can feel safe with, and be honest about everything going on inside.  When we come out of hiding, we are met with a God who sees, knows, and loves us, and isn’t that the truth we want to rest our hearts on most of all?  We are loved.

Let’s pray.

Dear Papa, Help me not be afraid to share the deepest parts of my soul with you.  Being vulnerable doesn’t make me weak, instead, it helps me connect with You and that’s what I long for most.  Give me the courage to talk to You about what’s on my heart.  Thank You for meeting me with unconditional love and acceptance. Amen.

Still, struggling?

Maybe this will help.

I’ve created a free guide, “Five Attributes Needed for A Close Connection with God.”  Simply enter your name and email below so I know where to send it.