Talk about a quarantine. According to the title, Psalm 142 was written at a time when David found himself all alone (perhaps this reflects I Samuel 22). If it was Adullam (or even En Gedi), David would have been surrounded by Saul and his supporters, knowing if he left the cave, he could potentially lose his life.  Though the Psalm does not tell us which cave David was in, it does tell us that in this time that David was alone, he was not alone. He recognized that God was with him, and so it was to the Almighty that the psalmist turned. Notice how he prayed during his cave quarantine.

His Cry (1-2).

David cried out, and the word used is one that means to call out loudly in anguish. In so doing, he is begging the Lord to take pity and be gracious to him. When he says his complaint is poured out, it does not mean he is complaining to God. Instead, the word here is a lament of anguish. He is just honest with the Lord about how he feels in his present situation. I love the way the psalmists are so sincere and candid with their feelings as they pray. In fact, “poured out” implies the idea of completely emptying his feelings before God. He is telling all his troubles to the Lord’s face (“before Him”).

His Condition (3-4).

He is so discouraged his spirit is without strength. And while he is buckling under the despair, David is confident God knows his way. This is more than just knowing the path David is taking. The Hebrew word means to have experiential knowledge, meaning the Lord is there with him on that path. Saul and the adversaries have a trap laid for him, and he has no one on his right, the side where strength would typically be found. Not only is no one there, David feels as if no one cares about his desperate situation.

His Confidence (5-7).

It is because of his current condition that David again cries to the Lord. The Almighty is his place of shelter, not the cave. It is not true that he has no help. The Lord is his portion (all he needs) while he is alive. So he prays that the Lord would answer his cry. While he had cried to Him in verses 1, 2, and 5, this is a different word. This one is a shout of pleading that carries the idea of rejoicing. Only the Lord can turn pain into praise. He alone can deliver David from this situation from which he cannot deliver himself. The cave in which he has been “quarantined” is to him a prison. However, when the Lord delivers him from it to be again with the righteous, David will praise God in thanksgiving.

Point To Ponder – Desperate time call for desperate prayers. In a time of economic hardship, physical sickness, and worldwide pandemic, where could we go but to the Lord? What better time than this in which we are alone at home (with more time on our hands) to pour out our requests and feelings to the Almighty?

Point Of Action: Today, take the time to rewrite Psalm 142 in your own words. Be sure to include your feelings – all of them. Are you sad, worried, distressed, afraid, bored, or experiencing cabin fever? Tell the Almighty. Are you thankful for more time at home, with your spouse, with your children, with fewer distractions? Thank the Lord! Are your thoughts on sickness, the economy, your family’s health, or having needed supplies? Ask for God’s help. Once you write out Psalm 142 in your own words, pray that prayer! Spend some time each day in specific, completely honest prayer. Cast your cares and burdens on Him, for He cares for you! In so doing, be reminded that while you may be quarantined, with God, you are never alone!

–Corey Sawyers