I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. — Psalm 142:1
King Saul had been informed that David was hiding in Ein Gedi, and Saul went on a manhunt with 3,000 men by his side. As David was hiding in a cave, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. He knew that the men around him were intent on killing him. Then Saul himself entered the cave.
Can you imagine David’s feelings in those moments? The person who wants him dead more than anyone has found his hiding place. Checkmate.
That is fear. That’s the kind of fear that David felt, and the kind that some people will encounter in their own lives. It could be waiting for medical test results or for a loved one to come out of surgery. It could be waiting to hear if you got a job which will mean food for your family, or God forbid, experiencing a natural disaster. There are times when we feel wild fear. Psalm 142 shows us the secret to taming our fears.
See what David did? “I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.” Turning to God is key. When all seems lost, find hope in God. When fear has a hold on us, find peace in God. When danger seems imminent, find refuge in God, “You are my refuge” (v.5).
King David was able to control his fear by praying to God. The Lord protected him and his life was spared—Saul never discovered him in that cave. May we merit the same salvation in our moments of distress as we turn toward our savior, our God.
