Psalm 143 clearly indicates that David is up to his eyeballs in difficulties. Feeling overwhelmed, incredibly lonely, and crushed beneath the oppressive onslaught of our common foe, David spread out his arms like a frightened child beseeching for a parent’s care and comfort. From a parched soul, he speaks freely from the heart: “Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant” (vv. 7-12).
From David’s words we get an excellent template on how to pray when life overwhelms you. Considering the following supplications embedded in his prayer:
- Fellowship. “Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit” (v. 7).
- Discernment. “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust” (v. 8).
- Wisdom. “Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You” (v. 8).
- Deliverance. “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter” (v. 9).
- Instruction. “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God” (v. 10).
- Guidance. “Your Spirit is Lead me in the land of uprightness” (v. 10).
- Renewal. “Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble” (v. 11).
- Victory. “In Your mercy cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my soul” (v. 12).
The basis of David’s urgent request is stated at the psalm’s conclusion—“for I am Your servant” (v. 12). How much more appropriate are such supplications in our prayers, for we are sons (Matthew 6:9).
