Psalm 142
1 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
2 With full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD.
3 Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress.
4 My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path. Along the way I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
5 I look to my right hand, but no friend is there. There is no escape for me; no one cares for me.
6 I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
7 Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
8 Lead me out of my prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the just shall gather around me because you have been good to me.
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That’s a pretty powerful prayer life.
Here we have the King of Israel pouring out his heart and laying it bare before God. David feels that his spirit is faint, but he knows that the Lord knows his path. God is David’s refuge, his “portion in the land of the living.” He asks God for deliverance – to rescue him from his pursuers because they are too strong for him.
It’s one thing to ask for help. It’s quite another thing to submit completely to God, lay yourself bare, and pour out your heart to Him. David does this with the confidence that Lord is indeed his refuge, and with the Lord on his side, he will not be defeated.
What a great example for all of us.
