It’s great to run, but Psalm 142 addresses a bigger question: to whom am I running?
When I was younger, it seemed popular to quip, “Oh, you run…what are you running from?” A probing psychological question no doubt and, in part, exploring the adaptable metaphor of running. In a wending way, Psalm 142 with addresses the need for David to run and the direction of his running.
David had plenty to run from. King Saul and the ‘sin which was ever before him (Ps51) among them. Yet along the way, David had enjoyed a truth that both fuelled his moving and his standing still: God is our refuge.
As low as David has been brought in 142 (and by v6-7, it sounds pretty low), he continues to know where to run.
If you’re being brought low, I pray that you find yourself amidst a community of saints who are encouraging, restoring, loving, comforting, challenging and gracious. But more than this, I pray that you will run into the arms of God—our refuge and strength.
When your spirit faints, He knows your way (v3).
(Simon Elliott – May 5, 2014)