Psalm 143

Introduction

Major Ideas

#1: The Prayer of the Crushed (Psalm 143:1-4)

Like the cave in Psalm 142, David feels that he has again been made to dwell in dark places in Psalm 143.

The one who has made him feel this way is the enemy who has...

…persecuted his soul.

…crushed his life to the ground.

…and made him dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.

It’s at the end of v. 3 that we learn that the dark place David has in mind isn’t the cave but the grave.

This leaves his spirit overwhelmed within him and his heart appalled within him.

Their is turmoil in David’s soul, in David’s life, in David’s spirit, in David’s heart; it’s no wonder that he is overwhelmed.

But in his overwhelmed state, he turns to the Lord for comfort, for answers, for grace.

Psalm 143:1–2 NASB95

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness! 2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no man living is righteous.

David will later say in this psalm that God is his refuge. That seems to be David’s meaning here. The enemies have persecuted, crushed, overwhelmed, and appalled—now David needs solace from the Lord...

…the solace of prayers heard and answered.

…the solace of God’s faithfulness and righteousness.

…the solace of knowing that God will be merciful and gracious even though David is a sinner.

#2 (Psalm 143:5-6)

#3 (Psalm 143:7-8)

#4 (Psalm 143:9-12)

Conclusion