Who Cares? Ps. 142

I. David’s Cry vs. 1-2

A. A Maskil means contemplative song, to be learned from. David’s cry would be something we consider private, that we’d only tell our closest confidant, a pastor, or counselor, but David puts it to music for generations to sing, and learn from.

B. David was in the cave of Adullam after fleeing from Saul. He lied to the priest at Nob, and was given Goliath’s sword, and the showbread (that was only meant for the priests). Then David goes to Gath (Goliath’s hometown) and when pressed he acts like a mad man. Now David is alone in the cave of Adullam. I Sam. 22:1-2

1 Samuel 22:1–2 LSB

So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it and went down there to him. Then everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter of soul, gathered to him; and he became a commander over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.

C. David is praying out loud to Yahweh in a cave, his cry is that of trouble from without and within. Part of his problems were caused by outside circumstances and others from poor and panicked decision making.

D. David’s supplication was the minutia of his problems, and it was continuous. Matt. 7:7-8

Matthew 7:7–8 LSB

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

E. He pours out his complaint like a drink offering. David is trusting in Yahweh fully, and dedicating it all to Him.

II. David’s Concern vs. 3-4

A. David said when I panicked and sinned, you were there, you were sovereign, you knew where I was, you know where I am now. You knew what I was doing and thinking, when I didn’t.

B. David figured his enemies had laid a trap for him (back in Gath, as well as Saul). Sometimes life feels like one disappointment after another and you feel trapped.

C. David felt alone. He wasn’t alone. His family came to him, as did other misfits. Sometimes your family comes to you in the cave, and sometimes your family puts you in the cave. You can make a family/community out of the misfits. Depression makes you feel alone and like there’s no way out even though it’s right in front of you.

D. With depression people can care for you, but it doesn’t seem to work. Don’t give up on them!

III. David’s Reminder vs. 5-7

A. There are many people who will say that you need to remind God of His promises or who He is. However, Yahweh hasn’t forgotten ANYTHING…EVER! We must remind ourselves and that is what David is doing here.

B. A refuge was a place to hide away, and rest. Our relationship with God should be that for us!

C. His portion in the land of the living. When Israel entered into the Promised Land, all the tribes except for Levi got a portion of land. Their inheritance was ministering before Yahweh. David is saying I’m an outcast from my home, but you o God are my inheritance, even if I feel I will never see good days again.

D. David still felt bad, but his hope was growing because he knew Yahweh had a purpose for him. Remember as long as you’re above ground, there is a purpose for you, this is not the end!

E. David prays for ultimate deliverance.

F. David wrote this Psalm and Psalm 34, out of these experiences. The righteous surrounding him meant that he could worship once again, maybe even singing these songs and learning from them.

G. He knew that Yahweh would do it, not overnight but he knew of what Yahweh had called him to. Do you know it or are still stuck between the hiding and the victory?

Isaiah 40:28–31 NASB95

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.