Psalm 142, Part 2

"When my spirit faints within me, You know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul."
(Psalm 142:3,4 ESV)

Haven't we all been there at one time or another? Is your hand in the air, crying, "that's me!! Nobody sees where I am; nobody knows how much life hurts right now; there's nowhere safe to hide; NOBODY cares. . ."
I don't know about anyone else, but when I am emotionally exhausted, in lots of physical pain, I tend to get the "me" syndrome. . . I forget that when I'm crying out to God in pain, that I am actually crying out to God, and He is there. . . so I may be visually and physically standing alone, but I'm not alone. There is a refuge; Someone does care for my soul.
I'm so glad the psalmist "let us in" on his emotional journey. . .

"I cry to you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to Your name! The righteous will surround me, for You will deal bountifully with me." (Psalm 142:5,6 ESV)

I have HOPE, for I know my God . . . the circumstances may not change, but after being with my God, I am changed. I know that I'm not strong enough to handle "all that life throws at me," but I can throw myself on God's mercy. And, instead of a "nobody cares" attitude, I can open my mouth and give praise to a God who truly does deliver!