In Psalm 142, David is crying out for mercy (the easing of his pain), he is faint and alone and yet, he knows he can cry out to God and is sure that God will set him free. I like how The Message puts it in plain every day talk.
In verses 1-4: I cry out loudly to God, loudly I plead with God for mercy. I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail: As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how I'm feeling. Know the danger I'm in, the traps hidden in my path. Look right, look left - there's not a soul who cares what happens! I'm up against it, with no exit - bereft (filled with a sense of loss), left alone.
In verses 5-7, David cries out 'You're my last chance, my only hope for life!' Oh listen, please listen; I've never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I'm no match for them. Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you'll bring me showers of blessing!'
Nancy
