David’s problem in Psalm 142 is that he is fleeing from Saul’s men. He is not only in physical danger but emotionally he feels that no one cares for him. He’s in a cave in a desperate situation with no help and he has no one to turn to except God so he cries out for help in this prayer.

We can learn from this reading the need to develop this same kind of honesty with God that David displays. There are situations we go through where our only hope is in God; when all our strength comes from Him. Sometimes we depend too much on our own abilities but it is only God who has the power to completely change the situation.

Think of crisis situations in modern times like when Apollo 13 was in blackout mode for several minutes while the capsule re-entered the earth’s atmosphere; a time of tremendous heat. The heat shield had been damaged a few days before and they didn’t know if it could withstand the tremendous heat of re-entry. Everyone was waiting for the capsule to re-enter and all they could do was listen. All they could do was hope.

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Let us be thankful today because even in dark times, we can go to God, listen, and hope. He can turn those dark times into amazing times because His light illuminates the path.