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When Corrie ten Boom was imprisoned at Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany, her sister Betsie’s health was rapidly deteriorating. The ten Boom family had been a vital part of the resistance to Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. 

The ten Booms had hidden around 800 Jewish people of all ages in their home before an informant reported them to the Gestapo. Casper, their father, along with Corrie and Betsie, were arrested and placed into prison. Casper died two weeks later. 

Eventually Corrie and her sister were transported to Ravensbruck, where Betsie finally succumbed to the horrific conditions of the concentration camp. She died less than 6 months before the war was over and the camp liberated. 

Corrie recounted later that before Betsie died, she whispered, “There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.” 

Perhaps in your own personal world of suffering these days, you’ve begun to savor this truth about God—He is present even when He seems absent. 

As we continue to explore the biography of David, by the time he reached the dark recesses of the cave at Adullam, I’m quite confident that he had reached a similar point of desperation.

Instead of giving in to despair, David composes two poems and set them to music; his singing would have echoed around the cave as he hid from King Saul. 

Both songs have been recorded for us in the inspired Hymnbook called The Book of Psalms. The lyrics to these hymns model the way we need to pray earnestly, seeking the Lord, even after times where we— like David—have failed to trust Him. 

Psalm 57 opens with the note that this song was written, “When [David] fled from Saul, in the cave.” Psalm 142 notes the same: “When [David] was in the cave.” 

There, in the cave of Adullam, David pours out his heart to God through words, cries, and tears, and— eventually—song. 

First, David tells God that he feels abandoned. “There is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). 

You might remember from our past study that David has recently parted ways with his best friend and spiritual mentor, Jonathan. Now, he’s alone. And he’s bluntly telling the Lord, “I am lonely.” 

Second, David tells God that he feels hunted and helpless: “My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts—the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (Psalm 57:4). 

David is wanted—dead or alive— by King Saul; he’s even more recently fled from the Philistine King of Gath. Now, as Israel’s Most Wanted Fugitive, David admits in desperation that his enemies are closing in on every side. 

Next, David confesses his sins. “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me” (Psalm 57:1). “With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy” (Psalm 142:1). He’s praying for God to mercifully restore fellowship with him that he had lost through his own sin of distrust. This refers to his decision to find an alliance with the King of Gath, rather than trust the Lord’s protection. 

Next, David reminds himself of some unchanging truths. “I cry to you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living’” (Psalm 142:5). Even if he doesn’t feel God’s presence at the moment, he is repeating this truth to himself until he believes it. 

David also transforms his cry of lament into a shout of praise. “My heart is steadfast, O God, … I will sing and make melody! … Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” (Psalm 57:7, 11). Even in the most difficult circumstance, David refreshes his habit of praising God, no matter what. 

Beloved, our praise to God should not be conditional, for He is worthy of praise, even when the circumstances are difficult and desperate. The waves of difficulty, that seem to be reaching over your head, are always under His feet. Sometimes praising God through the chaos of life is just the reminder we need that God is in control of the chaos—in control of every circumstance, both good and bad. 

Lastly, David makes a specific request. “The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me” (Psalm 142:7). David is asking for a very specific cure for his loneliness here. He’s asking for a friend or two with whom he can share his difficult circumstances. 

Does God answer him? 

“And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard [where David was], they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress … gathered to him. … And there were with him about four hundred men” (1 Samuel 22:1-2:). 

The future Commander-in-Chief has his first army, and the blessing of his family reunited. These men now needed to be trained, so God changed David’s focus away from King Saul to a group of men who need to be trained for battle. For us today, God’s solution to our misery often comes in the form of a new ministry. 

Briefly, let’s highlight several lessons from David’s experience. 

FIRST, WE CAN BRING OUR UNFILTERED FRUSTRATIONS TO GOD. 

He knows what they are, whether we admit them or not. He is aware of every worry, emotion, frustration and dead-end. We have a God Who delights in listening to our needs. 

SECOND, EVERY PRAYER SESSION OUGHT TO INCLUDE A WORD OF PRAISE. 

Even the most heart-wrenching prayers can reflect on God’s attributes. Everything—even the air we breathe—is a gift from Him. Take a moment to acknowledge His power, His glory, His creation around you, and give thanks. 

LASTLY, WE CAN OFFER GOD OUR HONEST REQUESTS. 

Are you lonely? Ask God for community. Are you anxious? Ask God for peace. Are you sick? Ask God for health. Let’s not hesitate to be honest when we talk to Him today. 

Then trust Him enough to accept whatever answers He provides.