God Cares

Psalms 142; 1 Samuel 22:1-5

Some of the best songs, poetry, or paintings come from those who are experiencing disappointments, failures, or discouragement. It is almost as if God has to squeeze us to bring out the best in us. This is why this psalm is one of the most touching and encouraging of all the ones that David wrote.

The title says that it is a Maschil of David while he was in the cave. The word Maschil means instruction. So it is a song of instruction to those who are experiencing loneliness, pain, and despair. The cave is called Adullam, which means “The place of the squeeze.” If you read the background story found in 1 Samuel 22:1-5, you will learn that David was not really alone but was in the company of those who were in distress, in debt, and discontented. It also says that he was their captain. I can imagine as David wanders off to be by himself it is then that he receives the inspiration to write this psalm.

You would think that with so many people within this gathering that they would be able lean on one another and draw strength from one another, but the depth of their despair had really brought them so low that it made David feel

· Overwhelmed (vs 3)

· Trapped (vs 3)

· Lonely (vs 4)

· Restless (vs 4)

· That nobody cared for him (vs 4)

At Adullam David had been squeezed so much that felt dry spiritually and left for dead. He thought he had been abandoned.

Throughout these unprecedented times I think we all have experienced at least one, if not all of these emotions. We too are feeling the squeeze and the pressure of having to make changes and decisions that take us out of our comfort zones. Their have been

· Daily routines disrupted due to the decision made to do public school virtually.

· There have been people who have lost their jobs and are having trouble making ends meet.

· There are so many unhappy people that suicides, divorce, and mental illness is at an all time high.

· There is so much political unrest and uncertainty in our country that is creating panic and chaos.

So what is the remedy? What is the cure? David after all pouring out his complaint in the first four verses comes to verse five and remembers God. Not only does he remember God, he remembers that God cares! He said Lord bring me out of this prison and take me to that place where I can praise you. (vs 7) God cared for David so much that he sent the prophet Gad to him and told him to him to go to Judah. Judah means praise! (1 Samuel 22:5)

The Lord Jesus Christ came out of the tribe of Judah. The application is go to Jesus today with you concerns. He really cares for your soul. He not only says it, but he demonstrated it by taking all of your sins, sicknesses, and sufferings upon himself on the cross. What is your cave, was his cross. And because he arose from the dead, he too will bring out those who are imprisoned in the tombs of their despair.

Cast all of your care upon him, for he cares for you!

God bless and I love you all!

Pastor Robby