Psalm 143 – We Remember, We Trust
By. Chris Pfarr
In readying this Psalm, it is very easy to dismiss it as irrelevant to what you and I go through on a daily basis. Not many of us have spent our youth as a shepherd, not many of us have killed a 9 foot tall elite warrior. Thankfully, most of us do not have a crazy fathers-in-law chasing us around trying to murder us. David has a pretty epic story that when left unexamined, seems…distant. We believe that all scripture, including the poetic segments of it that we read in the Psalms, is the inspired word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and that the word of God makes an impact wherever it goes(Isaiah 55:10-12). With that in mind, there’s got to be some street-level application to you and I today, and that’s what we’re going to dive into.
The Text
“Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble! And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.”
Psalm 143:1-12 (ESV)
David begins Psalm 143 with a heartfelt plea to God. Instead of boasting about his own strengths, he humbly asks for mercy, recognizing God’s faithfulness and righteousness. David vividly describes his distress – pursued by enemies, crushed to the ground, and sitting in darkness. His spirit faints, and his heart is appalled. While we may not be fleeing from a king bent on our destruction like David, we’ve all faced our own trials – financial struggles, health crises, relationship difficulties. David’s raw honesty in prayer shows us it’s okay to bring our fears and anxieties before God. Despite his dire circumstances, David shifts his focus. He remembers God’s faithfulness throughout history – the deliverance of Israel, miracles in the wilderness, and God’s righteous deeds. His prayer isn’t just a plea for deliverance but a declaration of trust in God’s steadfast love. So, what is David doing in his prayer here?
David recalls God’s mighty acts in the past. He meditates on the ways God delivered His people from bondage, provided for them in the wilderness, and fought battles on their behalf. Remembering these acts strengthens his faith and reminds him that God is consistent and trustworthy. David also reflects on his own experiences with God – from his days as a shepherd protecting his flock to his anointing as king and his battle with Goliath. These personal encounters remind him that God has been faithful in his own personal history, providing comfort, guidance, and protection. Given this history of goodness and faithfulness, David has ample reason to believe that God is going to follow through on his promises . David’s prayer highlights his unwavering trust in God’s character: Despite not knowing the way forward, David trusts that God will lead him on the right path. He seeks God’s will and asks to be taught and guided by His Spirit. This trust in God’s guidance allows him to surrender his own plans to God, trusting that He knows what’s best and that God will be glorified.
How Psalm 143 Impacts You and Me
Think about your own journey with God. What are some specific moments when God has shown up in your life? It could be a time when He provided for you financially, healed you physically or emotionally, or gave you guidance in a difficult decision. Just like David, we can look at the History of God and his people (only we have the entire cannon of Scripture, so much more than the history that David had to go off of) as a reference. So many times throughout God’s word we see that he has always been faithful to walk with his people. I’m thinking specifically here about the Israelites as they walked out of Egypt. So many of them must have been scared and wondering what on earth God was going to do, but even in their wandering, and even in their rebellion, God doesn’t leave them. God doesn’t promise it will all be sunshine and rainbows, he will use the hard things of life to refine the believer. In John 16, we are actually promised times of hardship. But Jesus also says to be encouraged, because while the struggle is real here and now, he has already won.
David acknowledges God’s role as his refuge and deliverer. He believes that God will preserve his life and defeat his enemies.
This assurance challenges us to trust God with our safety and security, knowing that He is powerful and willing to protect us. Have you been feeling anxious or fearful about your safety or the safety of loved ones? Are you a worrier, constantly concerned over what may or may not happened? If we’re laying cards on the table, that’s me. I have a huge fear of not being in control, because if I’m not in control, I can’t make sure that everyone around me is taken care of. Thank God, the eternal well-being of the people around me is not in my control. You and I can comfort in knowing that God is our protector, our provider, sustainer, rescuer, and redeemer. Are there areas in your life where you’re struggling to trust God’s guidance? Perhaps you’re facing a major decision regarding your career, relationships, or health. Take a moment to surrender these concerns to God. Ask Him to show you His will and give you the courage to follow where He leads, knowing that His plans for you are good, and whatever hardships there are along the way, He’s not going anywhere.
Summary: Embracing God’s Eternal Perspective
As we delve into Psalm 143, it’s crucial to recognize our limited perspective as humans. While we may perceive only what’s in front of us—our immediate circumstances and challenges—God sees the entirety of history and eternity. Our experiences and emotions are valid, yet they don’t define the ultimate reality orchestrated by God. Even when we can’t see His hand at work or feel uncertain about the future, we can trust in God’s eternal plan. Jesus proclaimed on the cross that His work was complete, signaling the victory over sin and death. Despite the ongoing battles in our lives, Jesus assures us in John 16 that He has overcome the world. This eternal perspective invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty and rest in His promises, knowing that He is faithful and in control.
David’s prayer in Psalm 143 offers us a profound example of faith and dependence on God in times of trouble. His honesty before God, his remembrance of God’s past faithfulness, and his plea for guidance resonate deeply with our own journeys of faith. Whether we face personal crises, seek direction in decisions, or strive to deepen our relationship with God, David’s prayer encourages us to bring our whole selves before God—fears, doubts, and hopes alike.
In applying Psalm 143 to our lives today, let’s remember that our faith is not based on fleeting emotions or immediate circumstances but on the unchanging character of God. Just as David sought refuge in God amidst danger, we can find assurance in God’s steadfast love and guidance. Take time this week to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life. Consider journaling or praying through moments where God has shown His faithfulness and provision. And as you do, my payer is you’d be strengthened in your trust in God’s eternal perspective and His unwavering presence in every season of life.
Until next time, Grace & Peace – Chris
Article by.
Chris Pfarr
