How Do I Pray When I Feel Trapped and Alone? (Psalm 142) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Today we study Psalm 142, the prayer David wrote while hiding in a cave to escape death. Most of us have never been hunted like that, but we all know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and cornered. David's trust in God in that cave gives us hope and courage for whatever we are facing.

"I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD." (Psalm 142:1)

Questions this episode answers

What is the background of Psalm 142?

The heading says David wrote it when he was in the cave. This was likely while he was running from King Saul, who wanted to kill him. Alone and hunted, David poured out his complaint to God instead of giving up.

Is it okay to complain to God?

Psalm 142 shows David pouring out his complaint before the Lord and telling Him his trouble. There is a difference between grumbling about God and bringing our pain to God. David takes his distress straight to the One who can help, and that is a form of faith.

What can I do when I feel like no one cares about me?

David says no one cared for his soul, and then he tells God, You are my refuge. When people let us down, God is still present and still listening. Bring your loneliness to Him and ask Him to bring you out of the place you feel stuck.

Links

If you are longing for a slower place to pour out your heart to God, the contemplative Bible Study Live retreat in Maui gives a small group of women space to pray through the psalms together.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

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