Caveman’s Cry - Psalm 142

This Psalm is a prayer when David was in a cave.  When David was on the run from King Saul, he often hid in caves, like the cave of Adullam , where he could find safety and rest.  He was distressed and seeking comfort from God for his troubled soul.  He calls this prayer a Maschil, a “psalm of instruction.”

1.  I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.

2.  I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

Complaint = siyach,  see'-akh

A primitive root; to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter:-- commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk. 

David complains to God regarding his circumstances.  He provides an example for leaders that we should complain to no man, but reveal our troubled thoughts to God alone.  David pours out his complaint.  He is filled with the tension and pain of these feelings, and he pours them out completely to God.  

3.  When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me.

When David is burdened in his spirit, he recognizes that God is not surprised and knows his life journey.  God allowed dark valleys to draw David into closer relationship and  deeper dependence on Him.  God permitted opposition to refine David’s character and leadership. 

4.  Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.

God was preparing David for leadership.  He was without friends and those who may have cared for David most likely abandoned him for fear of King Saul.  From David’s perspective everyone had deserted him. 

5.  I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.

David’s hope is in God, his safe haven from danger, his source of what he needs in life. 

6.  Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.

God delivered David from Goliath, a giant stronger than him.  In his distress he cries out again for deliverance from oppressors.  No matter how big the bully, God is bigger. 

7.  Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me."  

God cares for you, even when people do not.  Political people can plan your demise, but God knows the course of your life.  He may take you down a road in your journey that causes you to feel trapped in a prison of difficult circumstances.  If the circumstances lead to greater dependence on Him, it is worth “doing your time.”  In the end, your dependence on God will lead to freedom and new relationships with other God-seekers.