PSALM 142. A maskil of David. When he was in a cave. A prayer.

Theme: A prayer when overwhelmed and desparate. When we feel cornered by our enemies, only God can keep us safe.

Author: David

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/142.html

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.

Study Notes:

142:4, 5 Have you ever felt that no one cared what happened to you? David had good reason to feel that way, and he wrote, " I cry out to you, O LORD". Through prayer we can pull out of our tailspin and be reminded that God cares for us deeply.

142:7 This psalm was written when David was hiding from Saul in caves like the ones at Adullam (1 Samuel 22) or En Gedi (1 Samuel 24). These may have seemed like prisons to him because of the confinement.

Verse 7 is highlighted in my Bible. God has a hand in bringing out the truth, developing the integrity, and giving us the freedoms we seek. This is encouraging because he does not tire--he is everlasting. When all those people are marching for freedom around the world, I see God's work, and I praise him for it.

Lord God Almighty, thank you for setting us free. Thank you for sending the very best, you yourself through your Son to save us. As we battle against evil and deceptions, thank you for the strength and goodness of truth. Thank you for allowing us to live in truth even though the world around us doesn't. Awaken us. According to your will. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

A Song (for my brother): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6kpVYuElCkc

Bonus Scripture: John 14:1-3 https://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/john/passage/?q=john+14:1-3

Have a blessed day.