In the Middle of a Meltdown: Where We Find God's Unfailing Love
“For in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you” (Psalm 25:20c-21)
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is explore the local coffee shops. My husband and I enjoy discovering the unique flavors, cozy atmospheres, and, of course, the baked goods that seem to tell a story of each place we visit.
Recently, in Kanab, Utah, we found a little café that felt just right. We ordered our coffee and stepped aside to wait, taking in the quiet hum of the afternoon.
It was in that ordinary moment that I was unexpectedly reminded of the goodness of God.
A family of four walked in: mom, dad, and two young boys who looked to be just a year or two apart. They eagerly leaned toward the glass display, scanning what was left of the baked goods. It was later in the day, and the selection was sparse.
Suddenly, the taller boy’s excitement turned into disappointment. His voice rose quickly into cries of frustration. “I want…” , he shouted over and over, though it was hard to make out exactly what he was asking for through his tears.
Without raising her voice, his mother calmly said, “We’re going outside.”
She didn’t need to force him. Somehow, through the noise and emotion, he obediently followed her.
Inside, the dad and younger brother continued looking at the case, seemingly unfazed.
A few moments later, coffee in hand, I stepped outside toward our car. Just off to the side of the building, I heard the familiar cries again: “But I want…”
I glanced over and saw him standing in a small corner space. His mother stood quietly in front of him, her back to the sidewalk, gently placing herself between her son and the street. She didn’t rush him. She didn’t scold him. She simply stood there—steady, patient, present—giving him the space to feel and the time to settle.
There was no shame in her posture, only calm assurance.
As I reached the car, I looked back once more. The crying had stopped. His mother had knelt down to meet him at eye level, speaking softly. I couldn’t hear her words, but I could see their effect. Whatever she said was gentle, reassuring; reminding him, I imagine, that he was safe and deeply loved.
He moved toward her, no longer in distress.
As we drove away, I couldn’t stop thinking about that moment.
That mother knew exactly what her son needed—patience, presence, and the freedom to express what he was feeling before finding calm again.
And it struck me… this is exactly how our Heavenly Father sees us.
How often do we find ourselves in that same place?
Maybe we don’t cry out loud in a coffee shop, but inside, our hearts echo the same words: “But I want…” — clarity, comfort, answers, relief, you fill in the blank.
And just like that little boy, we bring our emotions—messy and unfiltered—to the One who already knows what we want.
King David is a perfect example of this. Much like the boy I saw that day, David was honest with God about how he felt. Though he was known as a ‘man after God’s own heart’, he didn’t hide his anger, loneliness, or distress. Instead, he poured it all out before God.
In Psalm 25:16-18a, King David expressed feelings of loneliness when he prayed, “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble” . This passage is a series of pleas for God’s help because David felt oppressed, depressed, troubled, unseen and deserted by God and others.
But instead of David staying upset with God, his prayer took a twist: “For in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you” (Psalm 25:20c-21). Despite everything, King David leaned into the Lord’s presence for comfort. And we can do the same.
Just like the boy and his mother, God stands before us. He leans in, looks us directly in the eyes, and patiently waits while we cry, yell, and pour out all that is in our hearts.
And when we are finished, He gently reminds us how deeply we are loved by Him.
Like the mother met her son right where he was, God comes close, lowers Himself to our level, and reassures us that we are not alone.
He is with us, always. Even when we cry, yell, scream, question. He is not afraid of our emotions but welcomes when we share them with Him.
Friend, if you feel lonely, upset, frustrated, or unseen today, trust that God is right by your side. Feel free to cry, yell, and pour out your heart to Him. He is in a posture of listening as He waits for you to lean in to Him.
What are you holding inside today that God is inviting you to bring honestly before Him?
