Psalm 143

Psalm 143

The emotion and situation behind the psalm are almost beyond comprehension. We believe it was written by David as he was fleeing from Absalom. During the persecution of Saul, he was within a hair's breadth of destruction and was forced to hide in caves. Now he finds himself in similar circumstances, but this time the killer is his own son.

In the midst of these difficult moments, David gives us three insights that will find application in our lives. First, in verse 2, David admits that he needs mercy, not justice: "No man living is righteous." Both David and Absalom were guilty of great evil. So why should God side with David and not his enemy? Because God always chooses the side of those who have a heart of true repentance. Second, God is never late but rarely early. In verse 8 we get the impression that if David doesn't get some good news in the morning, his cause may be lost. Often our situations seem hopeless, but our God is great at the last-minute rescue. And third, in verse 10, we see David's anticipation of the spirit of God leading him. The Lord's Spirit is the author of all our good desires and holy purposes.

“Lord, lead me in the midst of my greatest perils. AMEN.”