Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

So That…

Imagine this: you grow up with seven siblings while helping your dad work his farm. You spend most of your day with the animals. You have the opportunity to do something REALLY heroic when you are still pretty young, and you save a ton of people from certain death. The leader of your nation notices you, and you end up leaving your family and growing up in the palace with the ruler and his son. You become besties with the ruler's son...you two are inseparable! You have a pretty good relationship with the dad, too! You are often called into his presence to calm him down with your amazing musical abilities. You even end up marrying one of the royal kids, and the ruler becomes your father-in-law! Got it? You are feeling pretty good right now, eh?

Ok, so life is good. You have all of the things you think you might want: a fancy home, a best friend, a great job, a cool boss, when suddenly you lose it all. The king goes crazy and decides to kill you. You flee! No, you don't check in to the nearest hotel, you find a dark and creepy cave to hide in.

Then you write Psalm 142. Read it again. This is the Psalm David wrote while he was hiding in a cave from King Saul. It shows us some of the emotions he was feeling: He is out of energy, terrified by dangers, confused, and painfully alone. He wants God to "bring his soul out of prison." But why? So he can have the strength to fight Saul? So he can save his reputation? So he can go back to the fancy life of living in the castle? No. Read verse 7 one more time. David wants God's help so that he may give thanks and praise God.

GO DEEP: What does this Psalm tell you about the kind of man David was? What might have you felt or done if you had been in David's place? Think about a situation you have been struggling with and asking God for help. Consider changing your motivation. Pray: God, help me with ______________ so that I can thank You for Your help and praise You.

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?