Psalm 142 — No One Cares For My Soul

Psalm for Today = 142:3-5

When my spirit faints within me,
    you know my way!
In the path where I walk
    they have hidden a trap for me.
Look to the right and see:
    there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
    no one cares for my soul.

    you know my way!

In the path where I walk

    they have hidden a trap for me.

Comments:

This psalm prompts me to ask several questions...

·     To whom do we complain/cry out? (v. 1-3)

·      Who cares for our soul? (v. 4)

·      Why do we cry out? (v. 5-6)

·      What do we need? (v. 7a)

·      How will it end? (v. 7b)

The psalmist, David, from the cave of despair, cried out to the Lord in his hurt and recognized that though his earthly refuge had repeatedly failed, God himself was his refuge. A few years ago I was particularly struck by a phrase in this passage, “no one cares for my soul” and as I read the corresponding Gospel reading for that day (Matthew 14) I saw that Jesus had experienced the same thing and understood not only my feelings but cared for others who were in need even out of his place of pain which apart from his passion week was arguably his most challenging day in ministry.

In Matthew 14, Jesus learned of his cousin John the Baptist’s murder and withdrew to be alone and probably to grieve (v.13), but the crowds of inquisitive and hurting people got there first. Did Jesus send them away because he was hurting? No. (v.14) He provided “a refuge” and “a portion” to them. He was moved by compassion for them and healed all their sick. His own hurt and loss did not prevent him from giving himself to compassionate ministry. Yet, he did take time to allow the Father to minister to him (v. 23) for a good long time in prayer.

We all need to take personal refuge in God. How many people today have the same heart cry as David, “no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul”? Far too many! What can we do to communicate that there is genuine care available in Christ (who understands their feelings) and that the church is a better refuge than a desert cave, a more compassionate community for hurting people where they can be fed and healed? Ironically, when we stop focusing on our own significant issues in order to minister the love and comfort of Christ to others, especially out of the brokenness of our own hurt and weakness, we too are lifted out of the pit and set on solid ground.

[Covid-19 Update: Even now, in 2020, when we have been told to "Stay home, Save Lives" we might find this line from the psalm ringing even more true than in the press of a demanding schedule. "No one cares for my soul" may be true for those who feel isolated and out of sight. Remember that you are seen, you are known, and you are loved by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that is a refuge like no other. Reach out and encourage others in the name of Jesus today!]

Lord, when others fail me, and I know they will, may I find what is missing when I come to you. When no one cares for my soul, please remind me that you do! Help me to share that portion with others today as I trust in you. Yes, you know my path. You care for my soul. From this relationally safe place, let me care well for the souls of others. Thank you for not leaving me alone.

Let me add this thought, for those who minister to others, especially those who think that they have to stand alone...

Jesus didn’t send his disciples out to minister alone, so why do we? Pastors and Christian leaders need to know that they are not alone. It is too often a solitary calling as a result of our undo emphasis on individualism instead of a collective family of God approach. We also need to feel that we have been heard and understood, yet without being coddled. 

As pastors, we are not merely doing a job. Sometimes we wish ministry was just a job like painting a house or selling widgets, but we are actually waging war in the spiritual realm. Sometimes we can approach the ministry as a task to perform, a goal to reach, only in the natural sense…and as a result, we grow gradually drier and more brittle and our people suffer for it. Do we crave the refreshing water of the Spirit?

War takes its toll on relationships. So why do we think we can do it alone? I can't imagine a Christian leader who wouldn't resonate with the psalmist's lament in verse 4. We must become more intentional about taking refuge in the goodness of the Lord... together!