Psalm 143: Teach Me to Do Your Will
Best for: Seeking direction, repentance, morning prayer
Psalm 143 ("Teach Me to Do Your Will") is a penitential psalm best read for seeking direction, repentance, morning prayer. Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. David's enemy has crushed his life to the ground and made him dwell in darkness. His spirit is overwhelmed and his heart desolate.
Overview
Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. David's enemy has crushed his life to the ground and made him dwell in darkness. His spirit is overwhelmed and his heart desolate.
He remembers the days of old and stretches forth his hands to God like thirsty land. He asks: teach me to do thy will, lead me into the land of uprightness, and quicken me for thy name's sake.
Key Verses
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness 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."— Psalm 143:8 (KJV)
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."— Psalm 143:10 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
David stretched out his hands to God like parched earth reaching for rain. That posture of desperate need becomes the doorway to God's leading. When you don't know what to do, ask: 'Teach me to do thy will.'
Historical Context
The seventh and final Penitential Psalm. David is crushed by enemies and overwhelmed by darkness: 'My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed.' Yet he responds by meditating on God's past works, stretching out his hands like parched earth reaching for rain.
How to Apply This Today
When darkness overwhelms you, do what David did: remember what God has done, spread your hands toward heaven, and ask for guidance 'in the morning.' Sometimes survival is the victory. Making it through the night with your faith intact is enough. Morning will come, and with it, God's loving-kindness.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord. In Your faithfulness answer me. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant. My spirit is overwhelmed within me. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works. Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 143 about?
Psalm 143 is the last of the seven penitential psalms. David's enemy has crushed his life to the ground and made him dwell in darkness. His spirit is overwhelmed and his heart desolate. He remembers the days of old and stretches forth his hands to God like thirsty land. He asks: teach me to do thy will, lead me into the land of uprightness, and quicken me for thy name's sake.
What does Psalm 143 teach us?
David stretched out his hands to God like parched earth reaching for rain. That posture of desperate need becomes the doorway to God's leading. When you don't know what to do, ask: 'Teach me to do thy will.'
What are the key themes of Psalm 143?
The key themes of Psalm 143 include: Surrender, God's Will, Thirst, Guidance.
When should I read Psalm 143?
Psalm 143 is especially meaningful for: Seeking direction, repentance, morning prayer. The overall mood is thirsty, surrendered.
How can I apply Psalm 143 to my life?
When darkness overwhelms you, do what David did: remember what God has done, spread your hands toward heaven, and ask for guidance 'in the morning.' Sometimes survival is the victory. Making it through the night with your faith intact is enough. Morning will come, and with it, God's loving-kindness.
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