Who Else?
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are my Rock, my unmoving support. I look to You, Lord, and I am saved.
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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where do you turn in trouble?Knowing who to turn to in a crisis is vital. David knew exactly what to do (1). Holed up in a cave, hiding from his enemies, he could tell God just how he felt. And as he started to do that he was immediately reminded that, regardless of his feelings, he was not alone (3). Speaking the truth to ourselves despite our feelings is a powerful remedy and David was a past master (e.g., Psa. 42:5,11; 43:5). Is there something you need to tell yourself just now?David felt that he was walking into a trap (3b). Loneliness and isolation are characteristic feelings at times like that (4) even if we’re not really alone. So he speaks very directly to God about his situation. He realizes that God is his only hope (5,6a). He tells God what he wants him to do (6b,7a). And then he says what the consequences will be if God answers (7). Can you use that pattern today?
Apply
You may have a similar desperate need like David right now. If you do, pray this psalm in your own words.
Closing prayer
God, I look to You in confident hope because I know that You hear me and that You are a God who answers.
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