With my voice I cry to the LORD; with my voice I make supplication to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit is faint, you know my way.

In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look on my right hand and see – there is no one who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for me.

I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low.

Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison, so that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 142:1-7

David was stuck in a cave, assured that Saul was out to find him and kill him. Hemmed in and smothered by danger, he turned to God for help.

What cave surrounds you today? Is it a cave of despair brought on by grief or illness? A cave of difficulties caused by your own poor decisions? Are you stuck in a cave of questions or doubts that rob you of joy and confidence?

David asked for mercy. David sought refuge in God. He promised to use his eventual freedom to the comfort of fellow believers. In the end he looked forward to the comfort of fellow believers.

Complains followed by faith. Desperation followed by praise. Loneliness followed by fellowship. We can learn a lot from a cave man.

In every calamity, God has an oasis of comfort.

Our Daily Bread – December 13, 2004