Psalm 142 Meditation | A Prayer for the Downcast

One way the Spirit helps us when “We do not know what to pray for as we ought” (Rom. 8:26) is by recording the faithful prayers of other weak believers. Psalm 142 is a prayer of a weak man hiding in a cave. It hardly matters which situation prompted this prayer (see e.g. 1 Samuel 22, 24; 2 Samuel 23). Whatever his context he felt like he was in a prison. He was “brought very low!” (6).
David describes several feelings that we can relate to when we are downcast. He felt timid. “My spirit faints within me” (3). His normally robust and ambitious spirit was feeble, over-whelmed (KJV). David also felt alone. “There is none who takes notice of me … no one cares for my soul” (4). David had loyal friends and a loving family. But he had lost sight of human helpers. That’s okay. David’s feelings drove him, as they can drive us, to the “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). Finally, David felt helpless. “No refuge remains to me” (4). “My persecutors … are too strong for me” (6). What can I do?
David’s terrible experience can help when you are downcast. You should pray. When David poured out his “complaint” before the Lord (2), he wasn’t quarreling or grumbling (cf. Ex. 17:2, 3). He’s simply telling his caring God about his real-life anxiety (1 Peter 5:7). And as you pray remain humble. David “plead[s] for mercy” (1) knowing that he isn’t entitled to God’s help. And as you humbly pray, be faithful. David’s prayer isn’t an alter-native to remaining in the fight. David’s enemies were too strong for him (6). But he still used his inadequate strength. At least he was hiding in a cave and not surrendering to the enemy. And as you humbly pray and live in small faithfulness, trust God. David doesn’t know what to do next. But he trusts that “When my spirit faints within me, [God] know[s] my way!” (3). The Lord isn’t troubled by the difficulties that confront David, or you. He knows them. And he will use them well.
In Christ, God is your refuge. He will bring you out of prison and surround you with the great host of the redeemed, and deal bountifully with you. Then you will look back on your cave experiences with profound gratitude and give thanks to God’s name (7).