When I am Ready to Give Up

When I am Ready to Give Up Psalm 142 Observations • Much of the Psalm is a prayer. • David likely wrote this on the run (see superscription). • See also Psalm 57 • And yet, David’s concern is generic (3b–4). • David’s trouble is chiefly internal (4, 7). • Deliverance is still future (7). Plea: cry to the Lord (1–3a) • Urgent: “aloud…aloud” (i.e., “with my voice”) (1) • Desperate: “cry loudly…beg for mercy” (1) • Personal (2) • “before your face” (2x) • “Pour out”: used often in temple sacrifices • “Announce”: action of a messenger • Honest (3a) • “When I am ready to give up” (TEV) • “You, you yourself know my way” Problem: no one cares (3b–4) • Impending attack • “as I’m walking on my path…” • “hidden”: secrecy and deliberateness • “trap”: hunter terminology • Complete abandonment • “Look” and “see” are commands to the reader and/or God. • “right-hand side”: place of support and trust • “The place of refuge is lost to me” (emotional state) • “seeks after”/“inquires about” the “real me” Portion: God is more than enough(5) • Repeated cry in distress (cf. v1) 1. Refuge: place of protection (cf. v4, 14:6) 2. Allotted portion (cf. Psalm 16:5) “you are all I want” The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. Psalm 16:5 Prospect: looking to God’s answer (6– 7) 1. Pay close attention to my cry (lament) 2. Deliver me from others 3. Bring me out of prison • • Physical or metaphorical (“my soul,” cf. 4) Result: thanksgiving to God Future hope • Companionship and support • “dealt well with me” (like a weaned child, Ps 131:2) But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 Closing Applications 1. Be quick to pour out your full heart to God. 2. Rehearse God’s care of you 3. Rest in God as all you need 4. Let others surround you with God’s care When I am Ready to Give Up Psalm 142