Psalms
Summary
Psalm 143 is a solemn and earnest plea for mercy, where the psalmist (David) acknowledges that no one is truly righteous before God. Under the heavy oppression of an enemy who has "crushed his life to the ground," David's spirit is overwhelmed and his heart is numb. He looks back at the days of old, meditating on all God has done, and stretches out his hands in thirst for God. The psalm is filled with urgent petitions for guidance and deliverance: "Show me the way I should go" and "Teach me to do your will." It reflects a total dependence on God’s righteousness and unfailing love to overcome the darkness of the trial.
LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgement, for no one living is righteous before you.
The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.