Under pressure, I don't do so well.
{my guess is - none of us do if we're being honest.} The result of pressure either gets tucked away, displayed Vesuvius, or surrendered.
I have been outspoken in my advocacy for 'honesty', 'transparency', and 'vulnerability' in the name of authentic Christian living and relationship, but I have also felt the weight of my own hypocrisy in this - recently. It's easy to champion others in their vulnerability, and to meet others in their sadness or need. To do it yourself requires a heart check. Maybe that's why we only wade ankle-deep in most relationships... it's easy. To sink in further requires something, and it involves risk.
I detest that I am an easy crier, but I detest even more so that expressing emotion is still typically viewed as weakness.
To be clear, to 'bear it all', all of the time, and with anyone - is foolish; we need a few close friends and discernment {as to who they are and what to share} in our relationships. To shut yourself off entirely, or to suffer and then harden up {as a result of vulnerability} - is just as foolish. It's a delicate blend of exposing & protecting an open heart.
Anyways.
I think David had this blend.
{I can't wait to meet him.}
Have you read his writing? It's full-range-emotional-spectrum splashed on paper:
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.
{Psalm 25}