Psalm 142

Psalm 142

The prayer of a cave man

“Lord Jesus, bless Thy Word, that we may trust in Thee!”

Many caves are recorded in Bible history. Over the centuries, the LORD's people were driven from their homes into wilderness areas. Where they sometimes took shelter in caves.

Fearing that more blasts were coming. After escaping the destruction of Sodom. Lot sought refuge in a cave. With his two surviving daughters.

During the times of the Judges. The Israelites abandoned their homes. And took refuge in caves throughout the land.

During the evil time of Jezebel. Some of the prophets of the LORD sought refuge in caves.

Elijah journeyed to Mount Sinai. And took refuge in a cave. Where Moses also was sheltered during his time on the Mountain.

King David also had many experiences with caves. He sought refuge there. Not to run from a fight. But to find shelter. He prayed to the LORD for deliverance. - That surely came in due time.

With my voice, I cry out to the Lord; with my voice, I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. Look to my right and see there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. (Vv.1-2, 4)

We cry out to the Lord because our need is great.

It is a need that David describes as being "brought very low."  We cry to the Lord because we are desperate. No one will listen. No one cares. We turn to Jesus. Because we have no other choice.  If we were left to our own devices. We would surly stumble, fumble, flop and fall. Not only are we sinners; we are helpless sinners.

Bring me out of prison that I may give thanks to your name! (v7)

Because we are helpless, we cry to the Lord with His promise to help.

The psalmist speaks of his life as a prison. From which there is no escape. So where do we go? We run headlong. Into the waiting hands of Jesus. David reminds us elsewhere in his collection of the psalms, “God is our refuge and strength. An every present help in all kinds of trouble.” (Ps. 46:1)  

In crying out to the Lord. We are crying out to the One who can and will--and indeed has - met our every need.  He has covered our sin with His forgiveness.  Purchased and won us from our slavery to sin by His Son Jesus Christ, who in our place offered to His Father the perfect sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. When He suffered and died on the cross at Calvary. 

Your sin has been addressed. Taken away. And put to death.  For this reason. You stand before God acquitted and righteous. - Not because we are not guilty. But because the penalty that we deserve has been paid in full for us by the Savior Jesus.

This frees us from the prison of our sin. Making it possible for sinners like us to grasp and to benefit from all of the blessings of salvation that Christ has gained for us through His perfect life and His innocent suffering and death.

Above all. He moves us to cry to the Lord. Seeking His forgiveness. His acceptance. And His support. He assures us that we have it all. In the safe hands of Jesus. Which bear the scars of His suffering. Tokens of His mercy and grace.

When David was in trouble. He took shelter in a cave. Where do you find shelter today? You find your sanctuary in the safe and mighty arms of Jesus. You Rock. And your redeemer.

Words- 630

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability –87%

Reading Level-3.0

April 10, 2019