PSALM 142
Context/Comment
A Prayer when he was in the cave. He was in one of his many lurking places, either Engedi, Adullam, or some other lone cavern wherein he could conceal himself from Saul and his bloodhounds. Caves make good closets for prayer; their gloom and solitude are helpful to the exercise of devotion. Had David prayed as much in his palace as he did in his cave, he might never have fallen into the act which brought such misery upon his later days. SUBJECT. There can be little doubt that this song dates from the days when Saul was sorely persecuting David, and David himself was in soul trouble, probably produced by that weakness of faith which led him to associate with heathen princes. His fortunes were evidently at their lowest, and, what was worse, his repute had fearfully fallen; yet he displayed a true faith in God, to whom he made known his pressing sorrows. The gloom of the cave is over the psalm, and yet as if standing at the mouth of it the prophet poet sees a bright light a little beyond. – C.H. Spurgeon
Our text above this morning could be summarized by these words, Only when no escape, no fortress or refuge remains for us, and it is apparent no one (mankind) cares for our souls, only then do we cry to the LORD.
Maybe it is about time we cry unto the Lord daily, on the tops of the mountains as well as those deep valleys and dark caves?
SERMON
DAVID’S PRAYER IN THE CAVE
NO. 2282, SCRIPTURE: PS. 142
BY C. H. SPURGEON
AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON
ON LORD’S-DAY EVENING, MAY 18, 1890
PRAYER
In you, O LORD, do we take refuge; let us never be put to shame; Psalm 31:1(ESV) indeed, let none who wait for you be put to shame. Psalm 25:3(ESV)
For God alone our souls wait in silence; from him comes our salvation: He only is our rock and our salvation! Psalm 62:1-2(ESV) In him is our glory, our might, and our refuge; and our hope is from him. Psalm 62:5-7(ESV)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7(ESV) We will trust in your steadfast love, O God, forever and ever, and will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. Psalm 52:8-9(ESV)
We have hoped in your word; Psalm 119:81(ESV) O remember your word to your servants, in which you have made us hope. Psalm 119:49(ESV)