A prayer of David when he was in the cave. A maskil.
1I call out to the LORD. I pray to him for mercy.2I pour out my problem to him. I tell him about my trouble.3When I grow weak, you are watching over my life. In the path where I walk, people have hidden a trap to catch me.4Look and see that no one is on my right side to help me. No one is concerned about me. I have no place of safety. No one cares whether I live or die.5LORD, I cry out to you. I say, ‘You are my place of safety. You are everything I need in this life.’6Listen to my cry. I am in great need. Save me from those who are chasing me. They are too strong for me.7My troubles are like a prison. Set me free so I can praise your name. Then those who do what is right will gather around me because you have been good to me.
Psalm 142
English Standard Version
You Are My Refuge
1A Maskil[1] of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer. With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. (Ps 3:4; Ps 30:8; Ps 57:1)2I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. (Ps 102:1; Isa 26:16)3When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. (Ps 77:3; Ps 140:5)4Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. (Job 11:20; Ps 16:8; Ps 31:11; Ps 69:20; Jer 25:35)5I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Ps 14:6; Ps 16:5; Ps 27:13)6Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! (Ps 17:1; Ps 18:17; Ps 79:8)7Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. (Ps 13:6; Ps 143:11; Isa 42:7)