This is the last of three blogs on a Theology of Suffering taking from David and the Psalms.
Here are the first and second episodes.
Episode 3 – The Cave of Adullam
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| picture from inside the Cave of Adullam |
Eventually, God does give direction and the prophet tells David “Leave the stronghold and return to the land of Judah.” (1 Samuel 22:5)
Principles:
- Concern for the weaker folks in his midst.
- Living in uncertainty and waiting on God for direction. "Until I know what God is going to do for me" indicates a faith in God, even though he is currently waiting on direction.
The Cave, The Cross, The Crucible
There are some who suggest that David had to go to the cave as a crucible – his own cross. We see other Biblical leaders who had their “cave” experiences before taking on the role God had for them: Joseph thrown into a hole and eventually in prison in Egypt, Moses in the desert for 40 year, and now David.
This was a time of stripping everything away bringing him to a place where he had nothing to trust in but God.
David wrote at least 3 Psalms in this period and there is a visible progression of his dealing with the suffering, and his trust in the Sovereignty of God, even in a very dark place.
Psalm 142
A psalm of David, regarding his experience in the cave. A prayer.
1 I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy.2 I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.6 Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”
Facts/Feelings:
- Overwhelmed
- Trapped
- Abandoned, like no one is concerned for him.
Principles:
- Processing with God. Pouring out his complaints to God
- Counting God as his refuge
There is much less resolution for David in Psalm 142 than in Psalm 57, which was likely written later. Sometimes it's okay to be in that spot, where things are not all worked out.
Psalm 57
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| looking up the valley at the cave |
For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time he fled from Saul and went into the cave. To be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection.I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.3 He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me.My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.4 I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey— whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords.5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.6 My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it.7 My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!8 Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.9 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.10 For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
Principles:
- Hiding in God’s protection
- Praising, singing, exalting God
- Thanking God publicly, among the people.
What was David’s Theology of Suffering?
David saw the wisdom of evacuation at times and faced the hardship of innocent people being killed around him. He consulted of the Lord and sometimes received crucial information allowing him to escape. Other times information was not forthcoming and people died as a result of uninformed his choices. And sometimes he was content to just wait for information to come when God was ready.
He was happy to trust God for the accomplishment of His will in his good time, even if that was years later. And he rejoiced in the Lord’s protection – even when that was simply a cave in the side of a mountain,
because GOD was his place of safety.
See also: Theology of Risk Part II - David
