John Calvin Commentary Psalms 142:3

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walk Have they hidden a snare for me." — Psalms 142:3 (ASV)

When, my spirit, etc. Though he acknowledges here that he felt anxiety, yet he confirms what he had said about the constancy of his faith. The figure he uses of his spirit being perplexed aptly represents the state of the mind in alternating between various resolutions when there was no apparent way out of danger, and increasing its distress by resorting to all kinds of strategies.

He adds that, though there was no apparent way of safety, God knew from the beginning how his deliverance would be accomplished. Others interpret this clause, thou knowest my way, differently, as if David were asserting that God was a witness to his integrity. However, the other interpretation is more correct: that God knew the way to deliver him, while his own mind was distracted by various thoughts and yet could not conceive any way of escape.

These words teach us that when we have tried every remedy and do not know what to do, we should rest satisfied with the conviction that God is aware of our afflictions and condescends to care for us, as Abraham said:

The Lord will provide. (Genesis 22:8)