Psalm 142 – When You’re Lonely, All Alone 

The Psalmist was not physically on his own at the time of the Psalm’s composition. He was surrounded by an interesting ragtag of folks who bought into his character. 

Yet even with loving people around you, when you’re going through trying times often it can feel like you’re lonely. Nobody there to help out. Nobody at your side. Nobody to turn to as the situation looks to get worse. The Psalmist knew this very well and trained himself to know that those are the times to cry out to God who hears and knows and feels. 

I love the freedom with which the Psalmist communes with God from the depth of his being. He has the release to beautifully and movingly express just how much help he needs. He expresses just how desperate times can be. 

It’s reassuring to know we are not alone. That’s not a straightforward reality though, and when the chips are down and friends are few, it is for us cry out. He encourages it, He wants us to be participants to experience this kind of life for ourselves. The life that says even in our loneliness, we don’t have to be lonely all alone. 

For His Name’s Sake 

Shalom 

C. L. J. Dryden