Psalm 142 – God can still be reached, even in a cave

Like the previous two Psalms, this one was also written by David describing his enemies’ activities against him. The superscript of Psalm 142, however, provides us a brief note concerning the circumstance that was surrounding him. David described his anguish while hotly pursued by his opponents. We are told that he was praying while in a cave. In David’s life, there were two situations he was found in a cave. The first was in  the cave of Adullam, described in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, and the second was in En-gedi, detailed in 1 Samuel 14:1-7. In both the situations, he was running from King Saul who was seeking to take his life. It was probably in one of those two incidences that David was making a reference to. Here in the cave he lifted his concerns and lamented his troubles to the Lord. He then raised a prayer to the Lord, petitioning for His intervention. Of course, he made a promise to give thanks to the Lord when he had been delivered.  

We know from 1 Samuel that David did not have an easy time. From the day Saul was jealous of his popularity, there was not a single restful moment for him. He was a fugitive on the run from Saul and his forces. He recounted his desperation, having to hide in the cave, to prevent being apprehended by Saul. As a fugitive, he felt miserable, at least prior to God’s intervention. Anytime he was caught, his life would be over. His only refuge was God and rightly so. Hence in desperation, who’s better to unload his anguish than the Lord Who knew his situation perfectly? So we see him petitioning the Lord in verses 1-6. The first two verses described his cry to the Lord, while verses 3-4 narrate the circumstances that he was facing. David had always been confident in the Lord in his life. After all his laments and complains, he inevitably would end up confiding in God confidently. So we see that in verses 5-7.   

Like David, regardless of what we are going through in life. Regardless of how we feel, whether feeling deserted or depressed, discouraged or dejected, we have one faithful ally in God. The first step we need to take is to draw near to Him in that very circumstance. Remember Psalm 139 tells us that God knows everything concerning us. He does have a will and a plan for our life. We are forever on His mind. There is nothing in our life that He cannot see and would not help. We can come to God honestly without hiding behind our pious platitude. He can see our hurt and pain. We can unload them before Him. He has already made available all resources to a life of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Victory is assured. Let us go for it in Christ!