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Psalm 142
A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. 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. 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. I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 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.

David was on the run and the enemy was closing in. He felt alone. “No one cares for my life.” His situation was urgent. “I am in desperate need.” The opposition was too strong for him. Death was certain unless God intervened. David cried for God’s mercy. He prayed to be set “free from my prison.” David was sitting alone, afraid, and desperate in a cave. 

Some of you can relate all too well. An illness, a job loss, a relationship heartbreak, abandonment, grief—a significant life situation has imprisoned you. You sense the enemy pursuing and closing in fast. Like David you are sitting alone, afraid, and desperate in your personal cave. 

And…like David you can “cry aloud to the Lord.” Ask God for His mercy. Pour out your complaint before Him. Tell Him your trouble. He cares for you when no one seems concerned. He is your refuge when there is no place of protection. He is your defender when you are helpless. He is your strength when the enemy is too strong. God is your freedom when you are alone, afraid, and desperate in your personal cave. 

Father, my prayer is David’s prayer. You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.