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Psalm 142

Psalm 142 is a prayer of David when he was in a cave, expressing his distress and his reliance on God for deliverance. In this psalm, David cries out for help, overwhelmed by his troubles and enemies. He pleads with God to hear his cry and rescue him from his persecutors, affirming his trust that only God can bring him out of his dire situation.

Psalm 142:1 (NKJV)
1 I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.

David begins by earnestly crying out to the Lord, using his voice to call on God for help. This highlights his deep dependence on God in times of trouble, knowing that only God can answer his plea for mercy. His prayer is heartfelt and personal.

Psalm 142:2 (NKJV)
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

David openly brings his troubles to God, pouring out his heart without holding back. He confesses his distress and acknowledges his helplessness, trusting that God will listen and understand the depth of his struggles.

Psalm 142:3 (NKJV)
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.

David describes feeling overwhelmed, but in that moment, he finds comfort in knowing that God is fully aware of his situation. Even though his enemies have set traps for him, David trusts that God is not only aware but also able to guide and protect him.

Psalm 142:4 (NKJV)
4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.

David feels abandoned and alone, as though no one is willing to stand by him or offer refuge. He experiences deep loneliness, emphasizing that even when human support is absent, God remains his only source of help and care.

Psalm 142:5 (NKJV)
5 I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.

Despite his isolation, David reaffirms his trust in God as his refuge and inheritance. He acknowledges that God is his only security and hope while he lives, affirming his faith even in dire circumstances.

Psalm 142:6 (NKJV)
6 Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.

David pleads with God to pay attention to his desperate cry, recognizing that his enemies are more powerful than he is. He feels weak and defenseless, but he trusts in God's power to deliver him from his adversaries.

Psalm 142:7 (NKJV)
7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.

David concludes with a request for God to free him from the metaphorical prison of his distress, so that he can praise God's name. He expresses confidence that once God delivers him, he will be surrounded by the righteous, and God’s goodness will be evident in his life.

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