David Has No Place to go Except God

Psalms 142:1–7
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As in the previous Psalm, David explains his situation of being trapped in a cave in Engedi where he has fled to escape from Saul. There seemed to be no way of escape from his enemies David’s circumstances couldn’t be much worse. He is hiding out in a cave with the murderous King Saul in hot pursuit. David is utterly helpless and alone. Not only is he in a position of grave physical danger but he feels that “no one cares” (v. 4). He had no place and no one to go to but God. Actually, that’s exactly where the Lord wants us. The best place to be is in a position of absolute dependence upon God.

His prayer sounds more like a demand than a polite request. It seems that he is almost shouting at God. However, in his prayer he expresses his confidence in the Lord with statements like, “Thou knewest my path” (v. 3), “ Thou art my refuge “ (v. 5), “You will deal bountifully with me” (v. 7).  He saw his only hope to be in God and if God did not send help he would certainly perish at the hands of those who hated him.

Many of us believe that we can make it on our own strength. The real truth is that the Lord gives us the power to do everything we do. We must remember that it is the Lord our God who gives us the abilities to do things in this life. Some people aren’t blessed because they’re depending too much on their own talent and ability.

Application

My problems may not be as dramatic as David’s but they can be real and often overwhelming. Whether my enemy is a person or a set of circumstances, my only hope is in the Lord. I can recall some circumstances in my past where the only place I could turn to was the Lord, then have prayer and thank the Lord for his help during these times.