I cry aloud to the LORD;
Psalm 142:1-2 NIV
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
What do you do when life is hard? You might be facing a financial crisis. You might be experiencing rejection and betrayal. Or you could be stuck in a difficult situation or relationship with no way out. The types of challenges you might be facing are endless. And while some people face more trouble than others, no one is immune to it.
David faced his share of trouble. He went from shepherd to national hero when he killed Goliath. But soon after, he was forced to flee from a jealous king who was seeking to kill him. Simply because he had become more popular. For several years, he lived as an outlaw, constantly moving, always trying to stay ahead of Saul and his army. And he had taken refuge in a cave when he wrote this psalm.
David complained to the Lord about his troubles in this psalm, crying out to him for mercy. He was in desperate need of rescue from the one pursuing him. And the Lord did deliver him, although it was many years before the danger from Saul had passed, and he continued to face enemies throughout his life.
This psalm is included in the inspired Scripture. And it is an invitation to us to follow David’s example. Don’t be afraid to take your complaints to God. Pour out your heart, telling him about the troubles you are facing. He cares, even if no one else does.
Tell God about your troubles. Seek mercy and deliverance from him. You may not experience the deliverance you hoped for (2 Cor. 12:6-10). But he will see you through it if you trust him, making him your refuge.
