I can’t help but see the parallels of this psalm to our present-day circumstance. David wrote this in a cave. Isolated from those around him, alone with his thoughts and emotions and in fear of expectation of death from his enemies. We too are isolated in our homes, in expectation of a virus that has the potential to cause death.
I believe a lot of people come to know the Lord in their fear, doubts, and pain more so than their joy. It is interesting to experience an attack on all humanity, causing us to truly stop and sit with uncertainty and question who and what can we trust or put our hope in during this time. I believe the most tempting response is to control. It is important to be responsible and take the necessary precautions. A fully stocked fridge and bathroom can certainly ease our surface anxieties, but not our deep anxiety of uncertainty. David’s prayer, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path” reminds us that God knows the details of our experience in this circumstance even before it is over. He knows where it will lead each of us as we wait. May our solitude teach us to pray and to see Him in all things as David learned in the cave.
“Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name.” May God bring our souls out of the prison of fear and anxiety and into trust and peace so that others may know His name. Amongst this crisis, I hope that people will come to know the Lord as provider. As David set the example, pray to the sovereign Lord of all creation.
I hope you are reminded of God’s promises and His continual deliverance from the story of David and in your own life. God promised David he would be King and David still ended up in a cave. God did not rebuke David for his fear or hiding in a cave. Even though David was in a period of hiding and afraid, God’s promise came true. David became King. We can learn from David’s prayer that you can share your honest concerns and worries to God and believe that he is your refuge and the ultimate healer. We can’t help but be still before the Lord.
-Ally Clemments