Psalm 142
A maskil of David
When he was in the cave
A prayer
1 I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.
5 I cry to you, Lord;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
7 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.
We probably cannot relate to David’s situation: Hiding in a cave from his enemies, who want to kill him. But, spritually we can feel like we are chased, restless and not at peace.
David is hiding and calls out with his voice to His Lord and Redeemer, and David repeats that. I tell you everything, Oh Lord, nothing can be hidden before Your face.
He says: In my weakness, you’ve known my path. While everybody around me turned his face, I turned to You, because You are My refuge. You are my all in all, in the land of living.
And David ends with hope: Take me out, oh Lord, because I want to honor Your name. And finally: the right people will surround me. Because You are good for me.
What can we learn from David? What’s in it for me?
That even in the darkest day, we do not have to lose our hope. Stay focused on the Lord, and the outcome will be; (eventhough it might take a long time):
His glory.
Because, everything will work out for good, for those who belong to the Lord.
The reason for us to dwell in the land of living.
I hope that you find comfort in this knowledge.
The Ultimate Reason for us to be alive.
His Glory.
What speaks the most to you, in this psalm?
Feel free to leave a comment and encourage others of our online community.
Kind regards, Janneke