Psalm 142 - Watching Over

Psalm 142:1-7 NIV

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 

I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. 

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. 

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.

I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;

 rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

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.

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The notes in ancient manuscripts prior to Psalm 142 describes this prayer as one of David when he was in a cave. This particular psalm form is known as a maskil. It is known as such because in addition to praising God, a maskil imparts wisdom.

What wisdom can we say is in Psalm 142?

David is on the run from King Saul who, out of insane jealousy, wishes to kill David. David pours out his complaint and expresses his troubles to the Lord. David seeks mercy from the Lord. He seeks rescue from Saul.

The psalm describes a terrible loneliness and a sense of abandonment.

Psalm 142:4 NIV

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.

I've felt that terrible isolation, but unlike David I felt that God had abandoned me too. I even questioned God's existence in that terrible moment. The enemy that pursued me wasn't human. I struggled with the father of lies.

The wisdom of Psalm 142 is to remember that the Lord watches over you. In times of trouble, He is the One who you can turn to. Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.

Don't expect overnight solutions, although sometimes God does rescue immediately. Rather trust that your prayer is heard and that God is working to bring you to good. Faith is tested. Grow in faith as you patiently wait upon the Lord. And recognize that your intense feelings and troubling thoughts may keep you from sensing God's presence or hear His consolations. That doesn't mean God has abandoned you. God is with you and will never leave you.

Look at the beautiful promise to Joshua as he took national leadership after Moses.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Embrace the wisdom of this maskil of David.

Psalm 142:3 NIV

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.

May God give you grace in every trial to turn to Him in faith, trusting in His goodness and power to save.