Psalm 143

This psalm of David is not much different from Psalm 142, but it goes deeper.  The two could actually be the same psalm, and 143 just the second half.  Yet, as we read 143, we see him reaching out to God at a deeper level.  

It is suggested that this psalm is a consideration on David’s part that God is using his adversaries as a way to chasten or sanctify David.  This is because he asks God to withhold judgment (v. 2).  Have you ever been in a place of adversity where you cried “uncle”?  Where you cried out to God and said, “Enough is enough, I get it.  I learned my lesson.”?  I can sense that David is at his breaking point.  The key here for us is how he responds.  Even though he is downtrodden, persecuted, crushed, and overwhelmed, he remembers God’s goodness!  I can’t say that is always my own reaction in difficult times.

Verses 5-6 reveal a common response when we are going through the trials of life.  We remember the good times, the times of God’s deliverance, and what He has done in the past to give us hope for the future.  This makes me think of a song that I use to praise God for never forsaking me…

This is a turning point for David in his psalm.  Despite his despair, He turns to and trusts in the Lord.  David knows what He is capable of, because he has experienced it.  What I love about David’s words is that he asks God to teach him His will!  I can say this isn’t always my response in difficult circumstances, but we need to learn to do.  When people are against us, when life isn’t going so well, and when we don’t know what to do, asking God to reveal His will and help us to fulfill it is the key!  We, of course, know what we want to do, but it isn’t always what God wants us to do or how He prefers we respond.  

As David recognizes his pain and hardship could be God’s correction, he doesn’t want to make the same mistake twice.  So, he asks for wisdom from The One who knows best!  This is not an emotional reaction; it is a heartfelt yearning to make and keep God the center of his life.  The ending of this psalm, verses 10-12, is a great prayer for us all to start our days with.  If we truly want God to be glorified with our lives, it will behoove us to have this attitude.

I want to invite you to just sit for a moment and meditate on that.  Consider what it really means.  Understand David’s heart and allow it to become your plea as well.