When David hid in a cave while being chased by King Saul, did he cry out to God? Do we cry out to God knowing our helplessness? Let’s begin in Psalm 142.
A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer. (WEB)
Have we ever been in desperate circumstances, feeling totally helpless, like no one cares?
I cry out with my voice to the Lord; With my voice I implore the Lord for compassion. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. When my spirit felt weak within me, You knew my path. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me favorably; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul. (Ps 142:1-4 NASB)
Where else can we go for refuge? Who else can we totally trust in a dangerous world?
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. (Ps 142:5-7 NIV)
Was the apostle Paul abandoned by many at one point? Have we ever been forsaken by a traitor and harmed from within the church?
Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (2 Tim 4:9–17 NKJV)
If Jesus was betrayed by a close companion, should we be shocked if it happens to us even within the church?
And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. (Mat 26:47-50 NLT)
When David hid in a cave while being chased by King Saul, did he cry out to God? Do we cry out to God knowing our helplessness? You decide!
