I have been meditating for the past few days on Psalms 142 and 143. I was interested in what King David was going through when he said, “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. 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” (Psalm 142:3-4, NKJV).
David actually cried to the Lord, “Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low… Bring my soul out of prison” (Psalm 142:6-7).
Beloved, these words are written for our sake and our instruction. Here is encouragement for all of God’s people who are overwhelmed by troubles and afflictions. Often I have been accused of being too gloomy and negative. People say that nobody wants to hear bad news, that they turn off any preacher who talks about pain, suffering and troubles.
The truth is that most of us live in a world where life can be absolutely overwhelming at times. Like David, we face a flood of troubles; we are afflicted even in our righteousness. We endure sickness, death of loved ones, times of confusion and not knowing what to do next. We face hellish attacks of Satan against our faith.
It is in our overwhelming times we learn to seek God and learn to cry out in our pain. David said, “I pour out my complaint before him; I declare before him my trouble” (Psalm 142:2) and “In your faithfulness answer me” (Psalm 143:1).
Even now, are you overwhelmed by circumstances in your life? Echo David’s prayer to God! “Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in you do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in you I take shelter. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake! For your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble” (Psalm 143:8-11).
Be encouraged. God has everything under control. He will meet your need right on time.