Overview of Psalm 143: Teach Me to Do Your Will

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 Themes

Key Verses to Remember

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 Psalm 143 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