Psalm 142
I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him (v. 2).
We find David hiding in a cave several times in Scripture. One of
the most prominent examples is when he is hiding from Saul, who was on the hunt for his life (I Sam. 24). According to the title, this psalm is the outpouring of David’s heart “when he was in the cave.”
In bitter distress, David pours out his soul before God and tells Him his trouble (vv. 1-2). He was out of strength (v. 3), out of places to flee (v. 3), and out of people to confide in (v. 4). He had not even one to extend sympathy. Rather than wringing his hands in despair, David cried out to God, whom he recognized as his refuge (v. 5), for attention and deliverance (vv. 6-7). David looked forward to giving thanks to the LORD and to sharing his rejoicing with the righteous when the LORD dealt bountifully with him (v. 7).
Sometimes you may feel like you are in a cave, with no one and nothing to run to. These times of discouragement come regularly to all of us. Because friends will fail you. You will fail you. But God never fails His children (Deut. 31:6). You can run to Him no matter where you are.
Run to the Cross first.
Lord, thank You that You are my refuge and that I can bring my complaint before You when all else, all others, fail me.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Used by permission. All rights reserved.