Our Bountiful Refuge

The heading of my Bible of Psalm 142 attributes it to David with this description:  "A prayer when he was in the cave."  When King Saul's murderous intentions were revealed through his pursuit of David and the killing of the priests at Nob, David was forced into hiding.  It seemed wherever he turned his whereabouts were reported to Saul who was never far behind.  Though David had hundreds of men who followed him, they were nothing compared to the thousands of mighty men that attended King Saul.  Even in the cave it was evident his trust remained steadfast in God who was his true refuge.

Psalm 142:4-5 reads, "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. ⁵ I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."  David felt alone in his troubles, but he knew he was not alone.  In the dark recesses of the cave David hid from the sight of Saul, yet his eyes were fixed on God in whom David sought refuge by faith and reliance upon Him.  Perhaps out of fear of retribution people did not acknowledge how David had been wrongly persecuted, yet David was convinced God was his portion to receive and cling to.  What a great example this is of the necessity for those who trust in God to continue steadfastly by faith in God even when all seems against us.

William Gurnall provided insights to this end in Christian in Complete Armour, how courage and resolution is required for God's people to wrestle with and overcome difficulties God allows:

"All Israel came joyfully out of Egypt under Moses' conduct, yea, and a mixed multitude with them, but when their bellies were a little pinched with hunger, and their greedy desires of a present Canaan deferred, yea, instead of peace and plenty, war and penury, they, like white-livered soldiers, are ready to fly from their colours, and make a dishonourable retreat into Egypt.  The greatest part of those who profess the gospel, when they come to push of pike, to be tried what they will do, deny to endure for Christ, grow sick of their enterprise.  Alas!  Their hearts fail them, they are like the waters of Bethlehem.  But if they must dispute their passage with so many enemies, they will even content themselves with their own cistern, and leave heaven to others that will venture more for it.  O how many part with Christ at this cross-way!  Like Orpah, they go a furlong or two with Christ, while he goes to take them off from their worldly hopes, and bids them prepare for hardship, and then they fairly kiss and leave him, loath indeed to lose heaven, but more loath to buy it at so dear a rate." (Gurnall, William. The Christian in Complete Armour. Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.

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See the confidence of David to see the light and goodness of God in the land of the living, for he cried out to the God he knew heard and would answer in the affirmative.  David concluded his prayer in Psalm 142:7, "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me."  God was mightier than David's own flesh, the wicked men who urged him to slay king Saul in the name of the LORD or all the enemies that surrounded him to destroy him.  No one on earth cared for David's soul, but God was a praiseworthy Saviour who would deal bountifully with David.  With God as his portion David had more than he could receive or fully appreciate, so great is the power and love of God towards those who fear and trust Him.

Jesus assured His disciples in this world we will have tribulation, but He also commanded them to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world.  Jesus is our refuge who has delivered us from the prison of sin and death, and His righteousness has been imputed to us.  Let us praise His holy name, for He has dealt bountifully with us--and always will.