Abandonment Anxiety
Opening Prayer
Holy Spirit of God, mold and shape me each day so that my conduct is transformed to Your glory.
Read Psalm 142:1-7
[1] 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. [2] I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. [3] 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. [4] 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. [5] I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” [6] Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. [7] 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What does David cite about God that boosts his confidence?The lonely, distressed psalmist (presumably David) pours out his heart before the Lord as he struggles with his life situation (1,2,5, 6). The setting of the psalm, and the cause of his distress, was the days of David’s extreme desolation between his first hiding in the cave of Adullam, after the fiasco of his first visit to Gath, and his being joined by a band of about 400 (1 Sam. 22:1,2). From the cave, he would probably see Saul’s soldiers searching for him. He was lonely and afraid. But the psalm is not only a complaint (2), it is also a cry of confidence. David knew that the Lord, who was aware of his troubles (3), who was his refuge and portion (5), would see him through. Others would join him in praising God when they saw his deliverance (7). In this case, David was ultimately delivered and encouraged when others joined him. But in life, this is not always the case. However when we turn to God in distress, we often find that the power of our troubles diminishes, and we gain a new perspective on the situation (c.f. 1 Kings 19:1-18). That’s timeless wisdom for us all!
Apply
Consider God’s characteristics, as outlined by David, and thank the Lord for the confidence they give you.
Closing prayer
Father God, I’m grateful that in my need I can cry to You in confidence and trust. I praise Your name.
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