Praying for Help
Excerpt from Psalm 142
"I pour out my concerns before God; I announce my distress. When my spirit is weak God still knows my way." (CEB)
Reflection by William C. Green
This psalm is not only a prayer of petition but one of instruction. It's called a "maskil" of David, a Hebrew word meaning a lesson.
David had run into trouble and was scared to death. Enemies were trying to catch him. He found safety and solace in a cave, a hole in the side of a hill. He knew he couldn't hide there forever. He poured out his concerns to God—but then added "God still knows my way."
David is reminding himself of what counts. God knows the way to go, David doesn't. God knows what to do, David doesn't. David's way had been to seek solace and comfort in a cave, much as we seek the same thing, ending up feeling isolated—alone, worried, and defensive. But we, too, are to have confidence that no enemy—no fear, no anxiety, no distress—is greater than the power of God’s grace and guidance.
David's apprehension did not disappear after he prayed. But he knew, as this psalm teaches us, as we pray and stay faithful, no matter how we feel, we will be directed and protected in ways we cannot imagine.
May our prayers in times of trouble be like David’s. We, too, may still feel anxious. But we won’t be lost.
Prayer
God, when I feel lost and alone, worn out and afraid, may I remember that you will show me the way to go. Amen.
Excerpt from Psalm 142
"I pour out my concerns before God; I announce my distress. When my spirit is weak God still knows my way." (CEB)
Reflection by William C. Green
This psalm is not only a prayer of petition but one of instruction. It's called a "maskil" of David, a Hebrew word meaning a lesson.
David had run into trouble and was scared to death. Enemies were trying to catch him. He found safety and solace in a cave, a hole in the side of a hill. He knew he couldn't hide there forever. He poured out his concerns to God—but then added "God still knows my way."
David is reminding himself of what counts. God knows the way to go, David doesn't. God knows what to do, David doesn't. David's way had been to seek solace and comfort in a cave, much as we seek the same thing, ending up feeling isolated—alone, worried, and defensive. But we, too, are to have confidence that no enemy—no fear, no anxiety, no distress—is greater than the power of God’s grace and guidance.
David's apprehension did not disappear after he prayed. But he knew, as this psalm teaches us, as we pray and stay faithful, no matter how we feel, we will be directed and protected in ways we cannot imagine.
May our prayers in times of trouble be like David’s. We, too, may still feel anxious. But we won’t be lost.
Prayer
God, when I feel lost and alone, worn out and afraid, may I remember that you will show me the way to go. Amen.
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