When I was in high school, I would occasionally write songs. Those teen years are difficult, tumultuous. I believe I was sitting in a church pew when I read Psalm 142:4-5. The words “No man cared for my soul” resonated, so I wrote out lyrics. I can’t remember all the words anymore. The line that has stuck with me, however, is “not to the left, not to the right, but from above.”

David was scraping the bottom of the barrel and coming up empty. This shepherd, warrior, king, musician, singer…you name it…who was the center of so many social circles said “there was no man that would know me.”

I can imagine folks around him saying, “Oh no. It’s David. Pretend like you’re busy.” David probably wasn’t in a literal cave like Elijah. He was surrounded by people, yet, he was alone. His friend base had failed him. His social circle for whatever reason had said, “nope.” Regardless of this David found hope.

David looked up. God provided. I believe this was something David was inspired to write because he knew his epiphany was meant to be shared.

Psalm 142 4-5 I looked on my right hand, And beheld, but there was no man that would know me: Refuge failed me; No man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

Remember this today when tears come to your eyes because you feel isolated and alone. Our help comes from above, from the Lord who is our refuge, our portion in this world.