Lost in a Dark Cave

Imagine you are David. Hiding in a cave with your men, life becomes overwhelming. King Saul and his army have one mission, track down and kill the son of Jesse. Your objective is to stay one step ahead of Israel’s army. All your men have been instructed that no one can die–not the sitting king, not his sons, not even anyone in his army. Your men are faithful, but there is some dissension in the ranks. How can you win against an army in hot pursuit if you can’t take out a few?

David had learned to care for King Saul during the time he played his harp for the mentally ill ruler. Even after Saul tried to pin him to the wall twice and sent him into enemy territory to single-handedly take out 200 men in exchange for his daughter’s hand, David lived in his house, ate at his table, served in his army, and played his lyre to soothe the disturbed king’s soul. Only after the third time Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear did David finally run.

For years, the young man lived with the promise of the throne tucked in his memory. Patience may have been the young David’s greatest attribute. Still, having someone he admired coming after him, moving his family out of the country for safety, and hiding out in caves year after year took its toll on God’s chosen. He didn’t feel chosen. He felt a bit abandoned. Still he didn’t lose faith:

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
    before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
7 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 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like David–like no one cares? The twenty-first century equivalent to “no one at my right hand” would be “no one has my back.” How long can you expect followers to hide out without being able see a glimpse of the promise fulfilled?

Abandoned and alone, when everyone has given up on him, David does not give up on God. He knew that though humans fail him, God will not. He didn’t blame God or yell at the Almighty–though both would have been appropriate responses. David cries out.

When life is too much, take a lesson from David. Don’t worry about the people who can’t stand with you in the heat, concern yourself with the One who hears your cry, knows your need, and offers refuge in the darkest of times.

About the author

Lynne feels blessed to know Jesus Christ. He's her Savior and her friend, and because of Christ her life is richer. So her passion has become to help others discover their full potential in Jesus so they can have the best life possible!

If you're interested in more detail, I invite you to visit https://lynnemodranski.com/store

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