Refuge

I cried unto the lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him, I showed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me; then thou knewest my path.  In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and behold, but there was no man that would know me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord; I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.  Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.  Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise they name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. Psalm 142

This psalm is a prayer written by David when he was hiding in caves from Saul as recorded in 1 Samuel 22 and 1 Samuel 24. David was overwhelmed and desperate. The cave was like a prison; he was cornered by his enemies. In his hopelessness he thought that no cared for him. After pouring out his lament to the Lord, David acknowledges that the Lord is his refuge and asks for deliverance. As the Psalm concludes David offers to render praise and thanksgiving and realizes that he is cared for by a bountiful and loving God.

How many times have we been in a “cave” or “dark tunnel?” Have we allowed feelings of despair and hopelessness to keep us on a downward spiral? Like David we must remember to turn to the Lord in prayer.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are a powerful God who loves us and cares deeply for us. Help us to remember to turn to you in prayer and thanksgiving. As we live our lives may we take comfort and assurance from the words of Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Amen

Gail Keown (reprinted from 2008. Title added by editor.)