A missionary spoke in our local church service on Psalm 142. David wrote this Psalm in the 10^th century BC, while hiding in a cave from King Saul, who wanted to kill him. I have never hid from someone wanting to kill me. Have you? How can we apply these words to our circumstances?

David’s complaintPsalm 142:1 (Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.) I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

Suffering in isolation 3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Thanks be to God7the righteous shall compass me about; for Thou shall deal bountifully with me.

What do these verses matter to you?

What do these verses tell you about the LORD?

LORD = Jehovah, the I AM, the Covenant Keeper

Paul wrote these words in 60 AD

Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!