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I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy (Psalm 142:1, NLT).
David was hiding in a cave while being pursued by his enemy, King Saul. The prophet Samuel had anointed David as king when David was 15 years old and King Saul was still on the throne.
Uh, oh! Now you know why David was hiding in a cave from King Saul!
David first did the right thing by asking God for mercy. . .
I plead for the Lord’s mercy (v. 1b).
Amen, David. We all should cry and plead to God in our caves. But then David did what we all do as well — complain!
I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles (v. 2).
It’s okay. God can handle our complaints. Though frustrated with God about our predicament, we learn to wait. We can’t realize the goodness of God until we get our faith tested and forged in caves.
David wrote the following when he finally became king at age 40, and we will also say after our trials. . .
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:1).
During David’s dark experience, he experienced the following and we encounter the same. . .
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me (142:3b).
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! (142:4a).
Abundant enemies and no friends — that’s the worst scenario. During our trials, seeming friends run for cover only to reappear when God exalts us again.
But in the interim, between caves and the palace, David was able to build his team of mighty men, who stood by his side and then helped him rule after his coronation. Nothing like a cave experience to show the mettle of those around us!
Dark places come before fulfilled promises. We learn humility in caves, and this humility enables a pure faith of trusting God.
Humility is absolute trust in God!
Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life (v. 5).
Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison so I can thank you (vv. 6-7a).
Let’s rejoice! As with David, living in caves isn’t God’s ultimate purpose for us.
Amen. Peace out!