Hiding in a Cave - part 2
When we read through the pages of Scripture, we don’t always know how a particular person in the Bible is thinking or feeling. There are, however, times in which the Bible reveals what is taking place in a character’s heart. Psalm 142 is an example of a text that informs the reader of how a person was thinking when facing a time of trial. In this case, Scripture records for us how David was feeling during a time of trial.
As the heading of Psalm 142 indicates, it was written by David during either the events of 1 Samuel 22 or 24. Regardless of which chapter records the historical setting for the psalm, both chapters present very similar circumstances. In both cases, David was hiding in a cave trying to preserve his own life from those who were seeking his life. With his life on the line, David feels unsettled and isolated.
Most of us have never been forced to find shelter in a physical cave. Many people, however, are living trapped in a spiritual or emotional cave carefully constructed by our fears, insecurities, and false assumptions. If you are like me, you have probably explored an actual cave or two in your life. But I have never been forced to hide in one in order to preserve my life from a wild animal or someone who wanted to take my life. Nonetheless, I have hidden inside plenty of caves that I constructed around my heart for the purpose of personal protection from those I believed wanted to cause me spiritual or emotional harm.
Perhaps you have hidden yourself away in the protection of a cave you have created for your spiritual or emotional protection. Psalm 142 offers tremendous insight into how we can break free from our caves. In last month’s article, I discussed the importance of pouring your heart out to God during your times of trouble (Psalm 142:1-2). In this month’s installment, I will discuss the importance of trusting your life to God’s care (Psalm 142:3-4).
As we read through this psalm, we find David feeling alone, vulnerable, and hopeless. From verses three and four, let’s consider David’s three complaints.
1. David felt overwhelmed.
During this crisis and threat on his life, the wind had been knocked out of David’s sails. He was left feeling fearful, discouraged, and emotionally depleted. It’s not uncommon for us to feel overwhelmed by the difficult events of life. Given the uncertainty of the last couple of years, many people are feeling overwhelmed.
The past year and a half has been a challenge for all of us as we have dealt with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. When this health crisis began many months ago, it was difficult to imagine that the world would still be dealing with its effects so many months later. And yet, our nation is still reeling from the impact of COVID-19. By now, the majority of us have either tested positive for COVID-19 or know someone who has been ill with the virus. And sadly, some have lost friends or family members. At the time of this article, I personally know people who are fighting for their lives in intensive care units. The resulting economic challenges on top of the stress of trying to stay healthy has produced a lot of anxiety and uncertainty in our culture. These times of uncertainty leave many people wondering where to turn for help.
Reading David’s words in Psalm 142:3 reminds us that even the man after God’s own heart went through times when his spirit fainted within him. What we must learn is to redirect our attention when we feel overwhelmed. At the end of verse three David proclaims, “You (Lord) know my way!” When we feel fearful, discouraged, and emotionally depleted, we need to remember that the Lord knows our way. Take all of your feelings of being overwhelmed to Jesus because He will never leave or forsake you.
2. David’s enemies laid a trap for him.
In the context of Psalm 142, there was a legitimate threat to David’s physical and emotional well-being. Given the magnitude and might of David’s enemies, he had no hope of escape. Saul wanted him dead, and was hunting him like an animal.
Although it is difficult for us to imagine a group of armed men surrounding us and threatening our lives with weapons, it is not hard to imagine ill-intentioned individuals scheming against us. Most of us have had people plot against us. We have all had those who have treated us unfairly. And yet, Jesus commanded His followers to love our enemies. We are called to bless those who persecute us.
We all understand that there will be people in our lives from time to time who seek to cause us difficulty. Most of us have probably known at least one person who particularly enjoys creating havoc for others. It can be discouraging when someone is seemingly laying a trap for us. In those times when it appears someone is out to get us, we must remember that the Lord knows our way.
3. David felt as if no one cared.
While David was secluded in a cave, praying his enemies would not locate him, he felt isolated and alone. It’s easy when we are facing trials to believe no one cares about us or our difficult circumstances. Because no one can fully understand what we are experiencing, it’s tempting to assume we have been forsaken by others. The enemy can use these times of isolation to discourage us. And all too often our discouragement leaves us feeling overwhelmed by our loneliness.
Whenever we believe no one cares, we are standing on unsettled ground. It is in these moments when we must take a long pause, and remind ourselves of two basic truths. First, there is always someone who cares about our wellbeing. Those who are concerned may not always know how to perfectly express their love, but we must choose to believe there are people in our lives who love us and are concerned about our circumstances. Second, we must never forget that God always cares for us. As Psalm 94:19 reminds us, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” The words of Isaiah 26:3-4 are particularly encouraging in these times. The prophet writes, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Even if all others do forsake us, we have great hope in almighty God. In those times when we feel isolated and alone, we must remember that the Lord knows our way.
As we carefully reflect on these two verses from Psalm 142, I’m reminded of a simple observation: desperate times produce desperate prayers. There are occasions in which God brings us to the end of ourselves. Our gracious Heavenly Father uses these times to drive us to our knees. Once we realize we cannot manage the circumstances of life in our own strength, we are drawn to the Lord in prayer. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, the Apostle Paul writes, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” Even Paul, one of the most significant men in the Bible, was brought to the end of himself. If Paul experienced these times, we should never be surprised to find ourselves in a similar state.
Perhaps you don’t feel alone, vulnerable, or rejected right now. If that’s you, I invite you to give thanks to the Lord for the peace and joy you have in this phase of your life. Praise God for His abundant grace and mercy in your life. But I would also remind you that there is someone in your life who feels fearful, discouraged, alone, and emotionally depleted right now. Let me encourage you to pray for those in need, and show them the love of Christ.
From David’s time in the cave we learn that life can be overwhelming. It can feel as if there are those out to get us. And the vast majority of us know how tempting it is to believe no one cares about what is happening to us. It is in these moments that we must remember, our wonderful Creator knows the way!