"When No One Seems to Care . . . HE Cares for You "

     

Psalm 142:1-7   "I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before HIM; I showed before HIM my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then THOU knew my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto THEE, O LORD: I said, THOU art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise THY name: the righteous shall compass me about; for THOU shalt deal bountifully with me."

     In David's distress he cried out to the LORD, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4b). He was distraught. Although he had called to GOD for help (V.1), he had not yet received his answer, and a feeling of loneliness overwhelmed him (v.3a). He found himself in a very difficult time of trouble (v.2b), for his enemies were trying to ensnare him (v.3b). Everywhere he turned, he was overlooked by others (v.4); his earthly refuge failed. He had been brought low, and his enemies' strength surpassed his own (v.6). Daily cares and dangers brought this man of GOD to the brink of despair.

     Today, many of GOD's dear children are facing similar situations and are going through times of greater trials than ever before. The world is experiencing rapid change and great upheaval. Nations are changing; churches are changing; people are changing; moral and spiritual standards are changing. Separation from those we love or those we have come to depend upon often causes emotional devastation, whether it be separation because of the death of a husband, wife, child, or some other dear one or whether it be separation from family members or fellow believers who are living in sin and resentful of scriptural reproof and rebuke. But let us not forget that whenever GOD takes a dear one from our side, HE has promised to fill the void (Psalm 68:4-6). And, when our loneliness is a result of biblical separation from false teachers, disobedient brethren, and the world, let us not forget the promise of GOD to "be a FATHER" unto those who "come out" and "touch not the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18). the LORD has a perfect place of refuge for you, and HE absolutely cares when no one else does.

     We must not forget that even in those times when it seems to us no one cares, our LORD does care. And because GOD is all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving, HE is the best companion anyone could ever have, and HIS companionship is eternal ! Separation from HIM is impossible, for CHRIST promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b). However, if we allow our human feelings to dominate, then we open the door for Satan to take advantage of us. It is in those times of deep despair and discouragement that we are apt to speak and act according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT. David's time of discouragement actually prevented him from fully enjoying the promises of GOD. However, David did take his troubles, his anxieties, and his complaints to the LORD in prayer (vv.1-2, 5-7). He knew in his heart that the LORD was his only real refuge and that GOD would "deal bountifully" with him (vv.5,7). So why then did the psalmist cry out, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4) ?

     David initially focused on his circumstances rather than on GOD's promises (2nd.Peter 1:3-4). The LORD wanted him to learn lessons that only the failure of the "arm of flesh" could teach (2nd.Chronicles 32:8). Today when so many faithful pastors, churches, and individuals are going through times of testing and when loneliness increases as we take our stand for the truth and against error, let us quickly learn every lesson the LORD wants to teach us. Despondency will overtake us unless we take to heart the promises of our LORD. Does anyone care ? Yes, "HE cares for you" (1st.Peter 5:7), and GOD will prove HIMSELF faithful to all who look to HIM in faith during their time of need. MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
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