Years ago, before a GPS or smart phone, I received a call from my brother that his car had broken down in an area with which he was unfamiliar. He found a way to call me, but he could only provide me the general vicinity of his location. It was late at night, the area was dark, and I remember driving through this strange location and praying, “Lord, just steer this car in the right direction, because I have no idea where I am going!” Through my tears and feelings of helplessness, I just kept inching forward. Suddenly, as I looked up, I saw my brother standing in the car’s headlights. God understood my situation, heard my confident cries for help, and rescued me from fear and my own limitations.
In our passage today, David is hiding in a cave from uncertain danger and he cries out to God for help. Sure he is frightened, his thoughts are troubled, and he has no idea how to deal with the problem and danger he faces, but he places his confident trust in God through a humble prayer. David does not place his trust in anyone but God to rescue him. He knows God sees the path he is on and can help him navigate safely forward. This cave—prayer closet—made a great place for David to grow in his trust of the Almighty.
God knows our paths; all of our journeys are before him each day. We, too, can place our troubled thoughts before God in prayer. This is a great blessing and opportunity, because it is on our knees that we learn the most from the Lord. If you have been feeling overwhelmed by life, please find your “cave” and get quiet before the Lord, because he is your only true Refuge and in him each of us find perfect love and relief.
Psalm 142:1-3a NLT A Psalm of David
1
I cry out to the Lord;
I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
2
I pour out my complaints [troubled thoughts] before him
and tell him all my troubles.
3
When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for always being there listening and guiding us. Many places in this world and many experiences in which we may find ourselves can bring an unsettling to our minds, wills, and emotions. Help us remember to humbly get on our knees, pray, and look for your help and salvation. We commit to holding nothing back from you, because we know you love us and want to help in our times of need. We love you, Lord, and with thanksgiving we place our needs before you, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.