SCRIPTURE: Psalm 142
“Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.” (Psalm 142:7)
David is literally in a dark place (a cave), but also figuratively (desperate).
He is feeling weak, vulnerable, overwhelmed, scared, doomed, trapped, defeated.
I like how he prays for a testimony: ‘save me, so that others may see it and be encouraged.’
Usually when we’re in such a dark place, we’re only thinking of ourselves.
I know an alcoholic (now sober for over 20 years) who was in a dark place.
Did she know that one day her life and testimony would be used to bless many others?
She is a faithful AA supporter and encourager of those who struggle.
She quickly credits God’s grace for her deliverance, and spreads that grace to others.
Could my life testimony be used to set others free, to encourage others who struggle?
My ‘cave’ is not a tough life, but self-reliance, religion, the illusion of an easy life.
Some of you may not realize the burden of this, but to those who do, you get it!
Save me from my apathy, my lukewarmness, my hollow religion, they are soul deadening!
Revive my soul I can praise You, and others will gather about me because of Your goodness to me.
What do you need to be saved from… and who can be encouraged through your testimony?
“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:10)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I feel the need to be saved from my own cave. I want my life to be an encouragement to other lukewarm people, that God will ignite the fire in their hearts too. Shine Your light in my cave, that others may see it!
Observations/Application
When do I cry out to the Lord? When I am lonely and in need? Or do I talk with God at all times, each day, in times of happiness and/or sadness? He is my Lifeline. He is my fortress. He is my Father. I need to share my life with Him for He is
my Tower of power.
In Him only do I have Life
and
in Him I live.
He enables.
He empowers.
He renews.
He listens.
He strengthens.
He . . .
I need to put my small hand in His as He leads and guides me in the Way to walk. As He is my Source of power others will see Him in me.
Help me Lord to be a living letter each day as I journey with You. Always.
My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always