Psalm 142
Today’s psalm reads very much like a lament. From back on March 24 when we were doing Psalm 31, one of my Study Bibles had listed all the elements of a lament. Here they are for Psalm 142:
- A cry for help (vv. 1-2)
- The psalmist’s situation (the title and vv. 3-4, 6b)
- Expression of confidence (v. 7)
- Protestation of innocence or prayer for vindication (vv. 6-7a)
- Grateful recognition for God’s help (v. 7b)
Naturally you might see those various elements in different verses than how I’ve listed them, but clearly all the elements are there.
So, to David’s lament – and to our own laments. David finds himself in a cave, hiding from Saul (see I Samuel 22:1; 24:3, 8), no doubt despairing of his own life (v. 6b), but all the while trusting in the Lord for his deliverance (v. 7). I doubt that many (or even any) of us have similar “cave” experiences, despairing of our own lives. If so, I’d love to hear about them. But what dawned on me this morning was Jesus’ time in a cave – for three days before He rose from the dead. He had not despaired for His own life; He gave it up willingly, in obedience to the Father’s will: “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Let that be our prayer, in all things, for every near-cave we may encounter!