Psalm 142:2, "I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles," means the psalmist (traditionally believed to be David, hiding from Saul) is taking all his worries, grievances, and burdens to God. Let's break down the key elements:

"I pour out my complaint before him": The phrase "pour out" suggests a complete and unreserved sharing of feelings. It's not a polite or carefully curated presentation, but a raw and honest expression of discontent. The word "complaint" here isn't necessarily a peevish whinge, but rather a lament, a voicing of grief and hardship. "Before him" clearly indicates the direction of this outpouring - it's directed at God. He is acknowledging God's presence and choosing to bring his troubles to Him.

"I tell him my troubles": This reinforces the idea of direct and open communication with God. "Troubles" encompass all the hardships, anxieties, and difficulties the psalmist is facing. The act of "telling" implies a personal relationship, a sense of being heard and understood. It is a conscious decision to verbalize what is going on inside to the Divine.

In essence, the verse describes a heartfelt prayer in a time of distress. It highlights:

Honest Communication: The psalmist doesn't try to hide his feelings or pretend to be strong. He is authentic in his struggles with God.
Trust in God: The psalmist believes God is capable of hearing and caring about his problems. He turns to God as a source of comfort and strength.
Vulnerability: The psalmist exposes his weaknesses and vulnerabilities to God, knowing that God is a safe place to express them.
Seeking Relief: By sharing his burdens with God, the psalmist seeks relief and perhaps guidance or intervention.

The verse offers encouragement to those facing difficulties to bring their own complaints and troubles to God in prayer, trusting in His compassion and power. It's a reminder that God desires to hear our hearts and is present even in the midst of our struggles.