Hi friends,
One of the worst parts of loneliness is the feeling that no one has ever felt as isolated as we do.
Whenever I feel that “no one cares,” it’s hard to look beyond my own circumstances and consider whether anyone else is feeling alone, neglected, or in need of help.
Today’s liturgical reading includes Psalm 142, which prompts us to explore the feeling of loneliness through the heart-wrenching honesty of one of David’s prayers.
In Psalm 142, David complains to God:
Look to the right and see:
no one stands up for me;
there is no refuge for me;
no one cares about me.
But, to fully understand these words, we need to consider the historical context behind his prayer in more detail. In particular, we need to reread 1 Samuel 22-24.
First, 1 Samuel 22:1 tells us of one occasion when David was in a cave, hiding for his life, as King Saul sought to kill him. In David’s day, a cave was an excellent hiding spot, symbolizing protection and refuge, but it was also understood to be a remote and lonely place to live.
However, the text also tells us,
When David’s brothers and his father’s whole family heard, they went down and joined him there. In addition, every man who was desperate, in debt, or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.
David was surrounded by his family and four hundred other men who believed in him!
By 1 Samuel 23:13, David’s followers had grown to “about six hundred men.” Even in the famous incident where David cuts off a part of Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:3-4), he is surrounded by loyal companions.
After reading such a desperate prayer to God, I was surprised to recall that David was petitioning God while hundreds of devoted supporters surrounded him.
As David prays in Psalm 142,
Listen to my cry,
for I am very weak.
Rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Even when a crowd of people surrounds us, we can still feel lonely. Perhaps this large group increased David’s burden. Maybe he felt, “Not only do I have to stay alive, but I am also responsible for all the needs of these people!”
Sometimes, when we feel alone, we truly are alone, and God is our only refuge. We can pray Psalm 142 with wholehearted dependence upon God. No matter how lonely, weak, or afraid we feel, God invites us to be honest with him.
But perhaps at other times, we need to look around and see how many people are with us. We might not be as alone as we think we are.
For instance, have you ever written down all the people you are grateful for?
As I engaged in this exercise, it encouraged my heart to consider how many people are with me - and who I get to be with, too!
What do you make of Psalm 142?