MAKING GOD OUR REFUGE

Psalm 142:1-7 / Keywords 142:5

I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

 

A maskil[b] of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

142:1 I cry aloud to the Lord;

    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour out before him my complaint;

    before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,

    it is you who watch over my way.

In the path where I walk

    people have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;

    no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge;

    no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord;

    I say, “You are my refuge,

    my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,

    for I am in desperate need;

rescue me from those who pursue me,

    for they are too strong for me.

7 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.

Footnotes

a. Psalm 142:1 In Hebrew texts 142:1-7 is numbered 142:2-8.

b. Psalm 142:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

1. This is a prayer of David from one of the darkest times in his life, when he was in a cave hiding from Saul (1Sa 22:1). Sometimes our very spirit can grow faint, when we feel too weak and discouraged to maintain our own faith. Even then, God is watching over us and leading us effectively (3). Even if it seems that no human being cares for us anymore, God can be our refuge (4-5).

 

2. What does it mean to make God himself our refuge? By relying on his sovereign protection, we experience peace and tranquility, like being in a quiet cave, even when the world around us is chaotic. David also calls the Lord his “portion” (5). This means that in Jesus, God can provide our next step of life even when we have nothing left. David admitted that his enemies were too strong for him and that his situation felt like a prison (6-7). But God answered David’s prayer, using his hardships to mold him as a shepherd for many people (7; 1Sa 22:2). He will do the same through our life problems.

 

Prayer Lord, in times of deep distress, help me see you clearly as my refuge and my portion. Use my sufferings to mold me as a shepherd for others.

One Word You are my refuge