Psalm 143, a Psalm of David, is a prayer for God's guidance.
David begins by asking God to hear his prayer, and not to enter into judgment against him, for no one is righteous. He then complains about how he has been mistreated by his enemy, who has made him dwell in darkness. David's spirit is overwhelmed, his heart distressed.
He continues by remembering God's works of old, and admits that his soul longs for God like a thirsty land, similar to Psalm 63 (Day 9). He asks God to hurry with His answer. David's spirit is failing, and he asks God to not hide His face, lest he become like one who is dead. He asks God to show him the way he should walk.
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Who are David's enemies in this Psalm? He had many human enemies, but this Psalm doesn't sound like he is talking about them; it seems he is talking about his own tendency to sin, to walk in a way that is not in God's will. In that sense David's enemy is himself, or that part of his nature that wants to live apart from God. David cannot live without God however, so he prays for God's lovingkindness, mercy, and guidance so that he may be led in the land of righteousness and be with God.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Posted by joelfuhrmann at December 24, 2003 04:11 PM