When I Am Overwhelmed

The miraculous rescue of Mark Dickey from Turkey's Morca Cave mirrors the Psalmist's cry in Psalm 142. Dickey, an experienced American caver, was mapping this deep cave when he fell seriously ill with stomach bleeding on September 2, 2023. Unable to ascend from 1,000 meters below, his situation seemed dire. But hope was not lost for Mark. Over 190 experts from across Europe collaborated in a complex operation, navigating treacherous cave sections and setting up camps for his ascent. Rescued after a week, Dickey's thankfully said, “It is amazing to be above ground again."

His relief echos the Psalmist's words when he was hiding in a cave: “When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.” ( Psalms 142:3) The Hebrew word for "overwhelmed," vividly describes the feeling of being engulfed by trials and tribulations, much like Dickey's experience in the cave.

We all have those moments of being overwhelmed, feeling imprisoned by our current circumstances. But we also can testify as David, “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” (Psalms 142:5)

Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.