ICS Daily Devotions
Cry Out to God Like David

1 Samuel 22:3-5 (NKJV) Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.” . Now the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.

Psalm 142: 1-4 (NKJV) I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. 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.

As we read Psalm 142, we get a glimpse into David’s emotions during his period of isolation, persecution, wrongful accusation, loneliness and uncertainty when he was hiding in the cave of Adullam alone before the arrival of his family and the 400 men of war.

David sounded very depressed because his spirit was overwhelmed by the circumstances. He felt lonely and it seemed like nobody cared for his wellbeing. He felt emotionally drained, trapped, cornered, and believed Saul had set a snare for him. Because he could not find anyone else who acknowledged him, God was David’s refuge. He cried out earnestly to God and even complained about the situation he was in. In fact, verbalising our distraught is a good emotional release valve that can help to set us on track for recovery. We are blessed to be able to call on the name of Jesus in times of need.

John 16:24 (NKJV) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

God remained a faithful refuge when it seemed everyone was far away from David as he took refuge in the cave of Adullam. Therefore, we should come before God and cast unto Him all that we are anxious about in life and the circumstances that we are in because our lives matter to Him—He cares for us. Can you imagine that? He cares for your wellbeing—spiritually, emotionally and physically. He cares about us and how He will provide for us too because He is our good Father.

Sermon Series: Handling Stress – The Cave of Adullam