Psalm 143 - Your will

Read: Psalm 143 vs 1-12

When you read some of the psalms you are struck by reading words of quiet trust, others contain words of hope in the midst of difficulty, or trust in the midst of trial. Psalm 143 reads differently, it has a different tone to it, a different tempo. Reading through Psalm 143 you find yourself reading words that at times feel close to real panic.

David begins by crying out to the LORD that his prayer will be heard. He is seeking both mercy and relief from all that is crowding in upon him (vs 1). David honestly acknowledges before God that he has no bargaining chips to play with. He is not righteous (vs 2) and he knows this. 

The all too familiar sight of enemies on the horizon comes into view in vs 3, enemies that have left David with a sense of being crushed and of living in a very dark place (vs 3). With his spirit growing faint and his heart dismayed (vs 4), David remembers days in the past when God acted and God’s hand could be seen (vs 5).

Thirsting in this parched land (vs 6) and with his spirit failing (vs 7) David pleads with God that He will not hide Himself from him. Then … it comes … like the dawning of light after a long night:

‘Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

For I have put my trust in you.’ (vs 8)

Here is David, doing what David does best, trusting, and entrusting his life to the LORD. ‘Show me’, ‘rescue me’, ‘teach me’ (vs 8-10). David knows who he is, he is the LORD’s servant and his hope, all his hope, is placed in the hands of the One to whom he belongs. ‘Bring me out of trouble’, David prays, a prayer prayed in hope, confidence, a prayer that leads towards ‘level ground’ (vs 10).

Prayer: Father God, for Your name’s sake preserve my life. Lead me on level ground as today I trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.