ALONE-Psalm 142, UNRIGHTEOUS-Psalm 143

• Video: (12/15/24): ALONE (Psalm 142). UNRIGHTEOUS (Psalm 143).
• Powerpoint: Psalm 142-ALONE,143-UNRIGHTEOUS.
• Prayer: Psalm 142:1-7.

No one cares: “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” (Ps 142:4).

• What do you do when you’re in trouble (Ps 142:2)? When you feel all alone (Ps 142:4)? When you know that you are not righteous (Ps 143:2)?

Free me from my prison: “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” (Ps 142:6-7).

[Titles: Alone. Lonely. Hemmned in. No refuge but you. My only refuge. I have no one Lord, but you. Man–forsaken, not God–forsaken. Sheltering under pressure. Prayer ascends from low places. Emotions and prayer. God alone is my portion in the land of the living.]

1. My plea (Ps 142:1-2).
2. My plight (Ps 142:3-4).
3. My portion (Ps 142:5).
4. My prospect (Ps 142:6-7).

Everone has troubles. Everyone has difficulties. Everyone needs to learn how to handle troubles and difficulties better. Everyone is “aware of the afflictions of their own hearts” (1 Ki 8:38) and has troubles big enough to trouble you that no one else truly knows but God in Christ.

Recurrent theme. Psalm 142 is a lament by one who is in deep distress and feeling all alone in the face of those pursuing him. This is not a rare occurance that occurs once in the O.T. and once in the N.T. but a theme that repeats over and over again throughout the Scriptures. Job says that“man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward“ (Job 5:7). [Elijah. Paul. Jesus. Ps 31:1. 2 Tim 3:12.]

Alone. David cries out to be set “free from my prison” (Ps 142:7), which could be literal or figurative, likely the latter as the title reflects that he was in a cave when pursued by Saul, possibly at Adullam (1 Sam 22:1, 4) or En Gedi (1 Sam 24:3) making it a companion piece to Psalm 57. Together the 2 psalms give us some idea of the fluctuating state of David’s emotions in the ordeal. Psalm 57 is bold and animated, almost enjoying the situation for the certainty of its triumphant outcome. In Psalm 142 the strain of being hated and hunted is almost too much, and faith is at full stretch. His only way out is God. His 2 arguments are “I’m despondent and they’re way stronger.” But his faith is undefeated, as in the final words it is at last joined by hope (Ps 142:7).

Don’t say on a bad day, “There’s no where to go but up,” for it can go down farther the next day. Only your prayers, if heart felt and sincere, can go up. Heb 13:5. 2 kinds of imaginings: daydreaming and imagining by faith (Ps 142:7). Christian faith is not a pie in the sky by and by when you die, but God delivering you from this difficulty and affliction now in real time in history. 1 Ki 8:38.

Psalm 142 is a poignant reminder of the importance of expressing our struggles to God. These quotes highlight the themes of vulnerability, dependence, and the assurance of God’s presence in times of distress.

1. “In this Psalm, David pours out his soul before God in a time of distress, teaching us that the best remedy for our troubles is to seek the Lord with all our heart.” Charles Spurgeon.
2. “David, in this Psalm, acknowledges his own helplessness and the need for God’s deliverance, reminding us that true strength lies in our dependence on God.” John Calvin.
3. “Psalm 142 is a profound expression of human vulnerability, reflecting the deep need for divine companionship in moments of isolation and despair.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
4. “This Psalm reveals the raw honesty required in prayer; it is a model for bringing our fears and sorrows before God, trusting in His faithfulness.” NT Wright.
5. “The lament in Psalm 142 invites us to articulate our pain and confusion, recognizing that God hears our cries and meets us in our darkest moments.” Walter Brueggermann.
6. “In times of trouble, Psalm 142 teaches us to turn our hearts toward God, illuminating the path from despair to hope through prayer.” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

No One is Righteous: “Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” (Ps 143:2). [Unrighteous. My spirit fails. God’s faithfulness, not mine. No one is righteous. No one is righteous before you. Lead me on level ground. When sinners withstand the wicked. Hope for the persecuted soul. In times of thirst. Deliver me from my enemies. Thy lovingkindness. The end.] David is in deep distress, pleading God with great urgency (Ps 143:1), not complaining.

1. Unrighteous (Ps 143:1-2).
2. Fainting (Ps 143:3-6).
3. Pleading (Ps 143:7-10).
4. Righteousness (Ps 143:11-12).

Luther’s Pauline psalms. Martin Luther loved all the Psalms and his flock knew he had many favourites but one day he was pressed to state which Psalms were the best. “Psalmi Paulini,” he answered and then he went on to number them; “The 32nd, the 51st, the 130th, and the 143rd. For they all teach that the forgiveness of our sins comes, without the law and without works, to the man who believes, and therefore I call them Pauline Psalms.”

Psalm 143 emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and presence in times of trouble. These quotes reflect the themes of lament, hope, and the transformative power of prayer, encouraging believers to turn to God in their darkest hours.

1. “In this Psalm, David seeks not only deliverance from his enemies but also guidance in the paths of righteousness, demonstrating a heart that longs for divine direction.” Charles Spurgeon.
2. “David’s plea for God’s Spirit to lead him shows the necessity of divine guidance, reminding us that without God’s direction, we are lost in our own ways.” John Calvin.
3. “Psalm 143 encapsulates the struggle between despair and hope, illustrating how prayer can transform our darkest moments into opportunities for divine connection.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
4. “This Psalm is a profound reminder that in our moments of deepest anguish, we can still cry out to God, seeking His presence and trusting in His salvation.” NT Wright.
5. “In Psalm 143, the lament is not just about personal distress; it is a communal call to remember God’s past faithfulness as a foundation for hope in the future.” Wlater Brueggermann.
6. “The urgency of David’s prayer in Psalm 143 teaches us that in moments of spiritual drought, we must seek God’s presence and allow Him to renew our spirits.” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Loneliness (Reddit, 12/15/2024) [edited]:

Hi everyone,

This isn’t a post to get sympathy, but I could really use some advice.

I’ve lived in a city for a few years now, 1st as a student and now as a graduate. I am a 23M. My student experience was heavily impacted by Covid like most (therefore not getting a “student experience”). My 1st and 2nd years were largely isolated with limited opportunities to meet people, and my social life took a big hit. By 3rd year, I focused on my placement, in my final year, I was consumed by a demanding degree.

Now I’m done with uni, and feeling quite lonely. I have some friends, but it feels like I’m a 2nd thought to them even tho I try to be the friend to them I’d want for myself and try to reach out. I’ve met people through activities like sports, but the connections feel shallow. Everyone is nice, but it’s like no one wants to move beyond being just acquaintances in that particular activity.

I’m struggling to build meaningful friendships and connections. Loneliness is taking a toll on my mental health. Living in a city and feeling isolated is really tough.

I’d really appreciate any practical advice on how to deal with this. Thanks!