This is the last Maschil psalm, which is one of the psalms of instruction, doctrine, and wisdom. There are some things we learn best when we are on our knees, speaking out loud to the Lord. It is then that we ask for understanding of the truth of God and why things are the way they are. Lessons learned in the privacy of our own personal “cave” generally stick with us for our whole lives. Opposition and stress bore down heavily on David in the cave, and if those with him had heard his voice in urgent prayer, they would have learned that it is okay to make our complaints to God when they are a cry for help. An initial appeal was made because he was facing persecution that was greater than he could handle. He made his complaint, but there was no appeal for revenge, and no vindictiveness on his part.
There is a description of the desperate need he was in, and he made it known by crying out loud. He was aware that God knew his condition, so he merely stated his trouble to the Lord and described his own feelings. It is okay to talk to God openly about all that is in our hearts. It is okay to talk to Him about yourself and other people – about your problems and joy with unreserved communication.
The psalmist stated plainly that the Lord was his only hope and refuge. When we trust the Lord wholeheartedly, that is an act of faith. When we take wise action, that is common sense. When God answers, we need to keep our promises to Him and praise Him for His deliverance. His petition for deliverance “out of prison” was an expression of his confidence in God. We greatly appreciate our “portion in the land of the living,” and are moved to respond to the concern of others. Indifference to their difficulties would be a challenge to decency.
David was confident that when the Lord answered his petition, other righteous people would join him in thanksgiving to God for his deliverance. But even when no one is around us to help, or no one seems to care, the Lord is always near. It is a good thing to make our requests to the Lord for His divine help in an audible voice, so that others can join with us at the throne of grace, and we can all rejoice together when God answers.
PSALM 142 NO MAN CARED v.1-2. The appeal. “I cried with my voice…” v.3-4. The complaint. “They privily laid a snare for me… no man cared…” v.5-7. The petition. “Deliver me… bring my soul out of prison.”