Psalms 143
Chuck Smith on Psalms 143
Verse by verse, taught on Sunday nights: the C2000 series, 1979 to 1985. Permission granted by The Word For Today.
Chapter introduction
Psalm 143, another psalm of David.
Verses 1–2
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in your faithfulness answer me, and in your righteousness. And enter not into judgment with your servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified (143:1-2).
God, I don't want justice for me, only for my enemies. For me I want mercy. No one living can be justified before God. Impossible! "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). God said, "I looked over the earth and there is none that doeth good. None that seeketh after God." You say, "That's pretty general." Yes, it is. Encompasses all.
Verses 3–5
For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has smitten my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands (143:3-5).
I remember, I meditate, I muse.
Verse 6
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsts after thee, as a thirsty land (143:6).
Here is one of the reasons why David was referred as a man after God's own heart. Because he was thirsting always after God. Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). Here David describes it. "My soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land."
Verses 7–8
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee (143:7-8).
And now the prayer: deliver me, teach me, lead me, quicken me.
Verses 9–11
Deliver me from my enemies: I flee unto thee to hide. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me in the land of uprightness. And quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble (143:9-11).
And so the prayer. How important. "God, deliver me. And then teach me to do Thy will. Lead me in the right way and quicken me."
Verse 12
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant (143:12).