Psalm 142: ⁵ I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” ⁶ Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low. Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. 

This psalm is attributed to King David. As king, David was not without power, authority, resources, and so on. Yet the psalms tell us he was constantly under attack from enemies of various kinds, to the point of desperation, “Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low.”

There’s a sense that recognition of one’s need of God, to be without hope apart from God, draws the presence of God. There’s a posture of humility that is important to God. When you read the story of David in the scriptures this truth is revealed again and again.

I don’t like to think of myself as desperate, but the last couple of years of pandemic have been humbling. There have been many, many times when I have realized I have no hope apart from the Lord. Maybe you’ve been there too from time to time.

David’s words remind us that we need not be ashamed of being overwhelmed by life. It happens to everyone, especially now. Instead of hiding our need, or pretending we have it all under control, we can call on the name of the Lord who is faithful and merciful. God is our refuge friends. Lord come to our aid when we call. Amen.