During 2025, Peachtree Church is focusing on the Book of Psalms with a series called Dwell, through which we seek to deepen our conversation with God and open ourselves to hearing his response. The practice of praying three times each day will unite the voices of our hearts and souls as we seek the day when we will see the full realization of the Kingdom of God, promised in Revelation 21:3: “…Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
We will email devotionals twice weekly with Monday’s providing an overview of the Psalm as a whole, and Wednesday’s focused on that week’s Daily Dwell.
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.I cry to you, Lord;
Psalm 142:4-5
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Devotional
Last weekend, we went to the movies on Saturday afternoon. It was a relief to escape the heat and enjoy the air-conditioned theater. Everything was great—except for having to sit through 30 minutes of previews.
I think the best movies are the ones that draw you in with compelling plot development and then surprise you with a twist that reshapes your assumptions about what has happened or what’s about to happen. That moment is often called the hinge point or plot twist—the “aha” moment when you suddenly realize what the story is truly about.
I believe the “aha” moment in Psalm 142 comes in verses four and five. David is in a cave, feeling isolated and desperate. He says, “No one cares for my life,” convinced that he has no refuge and no one to support him. But then, in the very next verse, his perspective shifts: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” In just two verses, David reframes his situation—from focusing on what others cannot do for him to trusting in the faithfulness of God.
This kind of reframing is something we all need from time to time. Don’t get me wrong—we all need community and the support of others. But in moments of desperation, when we turn to God in prayer, our focus should ultimately rest on Him. It is God who saves. He is our refuge in times of crisis.
I think we all need an occasional plot twist in our stories. In moments of crisis—especially when the problem involves relationships or our careers—it’s easy to believe that the solution depends on the actions of others. But like David, we must remember that our true refuge is in God. He is the one who ultimately gives us the wisdom and perseverance to leave the darkness of the cave and step back into the light.
For Reflection
- Do you have people in your life who care for you?
- Have you allowed trusted friends to really know your story?
- How might the crisis you’re facing need to be reframed to focus more fully on God?
Prayer
Lord, we come to You in prayer, trusting that You see us and desire to lead us. Forgive us for the times when our focus has been more on ourselves and others, while neglecting You. Remind us today that You are truly our refuge in times of trouble. Help us to remember that no matter what we believe we’ve accomplished on our own, you alone are our portion in the land of the living. Amen.
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Devotionals