So Simple a Caveman Can Do It

Psalm 142

Intro: The Geico commercials use cavemen to make a point about their insurance—it is easy to obtain. In doing so they use a stereotype about “cavemen,” which is that they are not very smart. They are a little on the Neanderthal side.

I do not know if it is accurate to call David a caveman; but he was a cave dweller. There were several occasions in his life when he lived in a cave. During these times is when David recorded some of the psalms.

The Situation: Psalm 142 was written when David was living in the cave of Adullam while on the run from King Saul.

David’s star is on the rise. He is a mighty and victorious warrior. He is loved by the people and destined to be the next king. Saul on the other hand has been rejected by the LORD as king and has turned his bitterness toward David.

The Meditation: Caves can be literal places or they can be viewed metaphorically. David’s cave was literal and the emotions he experienced while in the cave are ones that any of us are familiar with. In fact many circumstances can lead us into the proverbial “cave.” These include loss, disappointment, sickness, hurt feelings, sin, loneliness, fatigue, etc.

Caves in the Scriptures are not typically viewed favorably:
1. A cave is where Lot fled when Sodom was destroyed.
2. A cave is where Abraham buried Sarah.
3. A cave is where the prophets of the LORD hid during Jezebel’s rampage.
4. A cave is where Elijah hid when he was burned out.

While caves are not viewed too favorably and seem to be places for the dead, the desperate, and the discouraged; they are also places where the LORD God is able to be remembered and where He remembers His people.

The Application: Psalm 142 shows what is so simple that even a caveman can do it. When you find yourself in a “cave” resulting from experiences in your life you can turn to the LORD and have confident expectation of what He will do.

I. Be Faithful in Prayer – 142:1-2
A. “I cry out to the LORD with my voice.”
B. “To the LORD I make my supplication.”
C. “I pour out my complaint.”
D. “I declare…my trouble.”

David took his problems to the One that could truly help. While it is OK to tell others; remember it is best to tell Jesus.

II. Be Truthful about Problems – 142:3-4, 6
A. I am overwhelmed – vs. 3
B. I am alone – vs. 4
C. I am in difficulty – vss. 3-4
D. I am at wit’s end – vs. 4
E. I am in need of help – vs. 6

III. Be Hopeful in Petitions – 142:5-7
Often times we allow hopefulness in our praying to be diminished because of too great a focus on our problems and not enough of a focus on our God. The “cave” experiences are the times for us to be confident and hopeful in our praying.

A. Be hopeful in the attributes of God – vs. 5
B. Be hopeful in the attentiveness of God – vs. 6
C. Be hopeful in the ability of God – vs. 6-7

Ultimately David was delivered, and his time in the cave was temporary. The same is true of us and any “cave” in which you may be in. You don’t have to be a cave dweller to follow the pattern of this Psalm. But thank God that He does come to us in the cave.