Psalm 142 – Complaint
No one likes a whiner. We hate their incessant complaints and negativity. What good does it do to complain? But is there a place for complaints? What can we learn from Psalm 142 – complaint?
Psalm 142
Psalm 142 is entitled: “A maskil (contemplation) of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.” The cave is most likely Adullum cave (1 Samuel 22:1) when David was on the run from Saul. In this cave David spends time in prayer and reflection.
“Caves make good closets for prayer; their gloom and solitude are helpful to the exercise of devotion.” (Spurgeon) Psalm 142 Commentary: My Only Refuge
“The state of David in the cave of Adullam was a state of utter destitution. Persecuted by his own countrymen, dismissed by Achish, and not yet joined by his own relations, or any other attendants, he took refuge in the cave, and was there alone.” (Horne) Psalm 142 Commentary: My Only Refuge
Such is the state of David as he cries out to God, pouring out his complaint and trouble.
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.” (1-2)
David cries out with his whole being.
David’s Prayer
Alone with no one to talk to, David prays to God.
“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” (3-4)
David places his trust in God.
“I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (5)
Then he prays for deliverance.
“Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.” (6-7)
David began with complaint then closed with confident praise. He started in isolation, feeling low and weak, and closed confident in companionship and support from the righteous and in God’s future goodness.
“This prayer of David was heard and answered; he was delivered from his persecutors, enlarged from his distress, exalted to the throne, and joined by all the tribes of Israel.” (Horne) Psalm 142 Commentary: My Only Refuge
Complaint in the Bible
Complaining in the Bible is most often looked upon as negative. For example, the constant grumbling of the Israelites during the forty years they spent wandering in the desert. “Complaining, in a biblical sense, encompasses grumbling, murmuring, or expressing discontent about circumstances or people in a way that demonstrates a lack of trust or gratitude toward the One who provides all things. Scriptural teachings consistently describe complaining as an attitude that distracts the heart from what is good, producing negative spiritual, emotional, and relational consequences.” What are the Bible’s teachings on complaining?
However, complaints as part of a lament differs from the grumbling.
“Biblical texts highlight that expressing genuine lament before God-as seen in many Psalms-differs from a faithless grumbling that questions His character or provision. Lament welcomes God’s intervention, whereas complaining often rejects His sovereignty or implies He is unjust or insufficient.” What are the Bible’s teachings on complaining?
Such is the complaint offered by David in Psalm 142 – Complaint.
Benefits of Complaint
As I reflected on Psalm 142 – complaint, I was struck by this distinction. Sometimes I try so hard to find the positive that I don’t allow myself to express grief, pain, or dissatisfaction. I don’t allow myself to lament.
A complaint expresses grief, pain, or dissatisfaction (Webster). As a five on the Enneagram, I can focus on worst case scenarios. While this may be helpful for writing, for life – not so good. I’ve been working on this for most of my adult life, trying to focus on the positive and all my blessings. In the process, have I lost something?
Sinitta Weston, in her post, Surprising Benefits of Complaining (And How To Do It Right), lists 16 benefits of complaining. Among them: it can lead to problem solving, help release pent-up emotions; strengthen social bonds; promote self-awareness; improve critical thinking; and drive social change. (For all 16 see Surprising Benefits Of Complaining (And How To Do It Right))
David certainly had good reasons to complain. Saul continued to persecute him so that only alone in a cave, abandoned by all, did he find safety. There he finds the one true source of safety – God. We know from reading the book of Samuel that David doesn’t remain alone. Others join him in exile.
And so, I let God have it, listing my complaints. Who better to complain to than God? Then, after making my complaints, I turn it over to God, following David’s example.
“There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort from God by prayer. …. When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress, and filled with discouragement; when we see snares laid for us on every side, while we walk in his way, we may reflect with comfort that the Lord knoweth our path.” Psalm 142 Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Psalm 142 – Complaint
When troubled and alone, David cried out to God. Psalm 142 – complaint, reminds us that there is nothing that we can’t bring to our God in prayer.
“It is not merely words that you have to utter, you have to lay all your trouble before God. As a child tells its mother its griefs, tell the Lord all your griefs, your complaints, your miseries, your fears. Tell them all out, and great relief will come to your spirit.” (Spurgeon) Psalm 142 Commentary: My Only Refuge
Thus, our spirit finds the comfort and peace only God can bring.
Are you holding something back from God in your prayer? Let it all out. God can handle it.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 142: From Prison Cells – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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