Psalms 143

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with David's prayer, asking God to hear his plea and answer him (Psalms 143:1). He acknowledges his own sinfulness and the righteousness of God, recognizing that no one can stand before God based on their own merits (Psalms 143:2). David then asks God to teach him His ways and to lead him on level ground (Psalms 143:8-10). He expresses his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of persecution and adversity (Psalms 143:11-12). The chapter concludes with David's confident assertion that he will sing praise to God, for He is his refuge and portion (Psalms 143:12). Throughout the chapter, David's prayer is marked by a deep sense of humility, trust, and dependence on God.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 143 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. The chapter is a prayer psalm, which is a common genre in the Psalms. The prayer is likely set in a time of adversity or persecution, as David is seeking God's protection and deliverance from his enemies. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it reflects themes and motifs from other parts of the Old Testament, such as the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of adversity. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction, especially in times of uncertainty or adversity. As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter by cultivating a deep sense of humility and dependence on God, and by seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about a man named David who is praying to God for help. He is being chased by his enemies and needs God's protection. David trusts in God's goodness and faithfulness, and he knows that God will guide him and keep him safe. We can learn from David's example by trusting in God and seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances, as seen in Psalms 143:8-10.

Voices from the Church

“The prayer of the psalmist is a model for all believers, as it demonstrates the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in all circumstances. As Spurgeon notes, "The Lord's people have always been a praying people, and it is the absence of prayer which is the sure sign of the absence of the Spirit of God."”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Calvin comments on the chapter, noting that "David's prayer is a remarkable example of the confidence which we ought to have in God, when we are surrounded by enemies and dangers. For he does not pray to God as if he were uncertain of the issue, but as if he had already obtained what he asked."”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Prayer (Psalms 143:1-2) — David introduces his prayer, asking God to hear his plea and answer him. He acknowledges his own sinfulness and the righteousness of God.
2. The Request for Guidance (Psalms 143:8-10) — David asks God to teach him His ways and to lead him on level ground. He expresses his trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of persecution and adversity.
3. The Expression of Trust (Psalms 143:11-12) — David affirms his trust in God, recognizing that He is his refuge and portion. He asks God to cut off his enemies and to destroy those who afflict him.
4. The Conclusion of the Prayer (Psalms 143:12) — David concludes his prayer, affirming his trust in God and expressing his confidence in God's deliverance.
5. The Final Assertion (Psalms 143:12) — David asserts his confidence in God's presence and guidance, recognizing that He is his refuge and portion.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including David's circumstances and the lives of his enemies. This sovereignty is a source of comfort and confidence for believers, as they recognize that God is in control of all things.

The Importance of Prayer

The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the life of the believer, as David's prayer is a model for seeking God's guidance, protection, and deliverance. Prayer is a vital means of communicating with God and seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances.

The Goodness and Faithfulness of God

The chapter emphasizes God's goodness and faithfulness, as David trusts in His lovingkindness and recognizes that He is his refuge and portion. This emphasis on God's character is a central theme in the chapter, and it provides comfort and confidence for believers.

The Trustworthiness of God

The chapter underscores the importance of trusting in God, as David's prayer is marked by a deep sense of humility and dependence on God. This trust is rooted in God's character, as David recognizes that He is faithful and trustworthy.

Lessons from Psalms 143

1. The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as David recognizes his own sinfulness and the righteousness of God. This humility is a key aspect of his relationship with God, and it enables him to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.
2. The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as David's prayer is a model for seeking God's guidance, protection, and deliverance. Prayer is a vital means of communicating with God and seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances.
3. The Goodness and Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's goodness and faithfulness, as David trusts in His lovingkindness and recognizes that He is his refuge and portion. This emphasis on God's character is a central theme in the chapter, and it provides comfort and confidence for believers.
4. The Trustworthiness of God — The chapter underscores the importance of trusting in God, as David's prayer is marked by a deep sense of humility and dependence on God. This trust is rooted in God's character, as David recognizes that He is faithful and trustworthy.
5. The Importance of Seeking God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance, as David asks God to teach him His ways and to lead him on level ground. This emphasis on seeking God's presence is a key aspect of the chapter, and it provides a model for believers to follow.

Themes from Psalms 143

1. Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, as David's prayer is marked by a deep sense of humility and dependence on God. This trust is rooted in God's character, as David recognizes that He is faithful and trustworthy.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including David's circumstances and the lives of his enemies. This sovereignty is a source of comfort and confidence for believers, as they recognize that God is in control of all things.
3. The Goodness and Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's goodness and faithfulness, as David trusts in His lovingkindness and recognizes that He is his refuge and portion. This emphasis on God's character is a central theme in the chapter, and it provides comfort and confidence for believers.
4. The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as David's prayer is a model for seeking God's guidance, protection, and deliverance. Prayer is a vital means of communicating with God and seeking His presence and guidance in all circumstances.
5. The Importance of Seeking God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance, as David asks God to teach him His ways and to lead him on level ground. This emphasis on seeking God's presence is a key aspect of the chapter, and it provides a model for believers to follow.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which you can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, as seen in David's prayer?
2. How can you apply the principles of this chapter to your own life, especially in times of uncertainty or adversity?
3. What are some ways in which you can seek God's guidance and direction, as David does in his prayer?
4. How can you trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain?
5. What are some ways in which you can express your trust in God, as David does in his prayer?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 143

	Sermon	Description
	When You Pray by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg
	Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Chuck Smith	This sermon focuses on the journey from despair to hope, emphasizing the importance of shifting our focus from personal struggles to God's faithfulness, mercy, and love. It highlig
	(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the
	The Good Way by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize
	Prayer, Monolog or Dialog? by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses had fled to the desert after killing an Egyptian and spent 40 years
	A Prayer for Guidance by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith reflects on the vastness of God and the insignificance of human beings in comparison. He describes sitting on the beach, contemplating the sun, t
	Whatever Is Not From Faith Is Sin by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests
	Five Evidences of Genuine Conversion by Reuben Walter	In this sermon, the preacher discusses five evidences of genuine conversion. He emphasizes that Christians should not skip over the first four evidences and focus only on the desir
	How to Argue With God by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 143

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 143 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of adversity. Henry notes that David's prayer is a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in all circumstances. He also highlights the significance of David's expression of trust in God, recognizing that He is his refuge and portion. As Henry comments, "The Lord is our refuge and portion, and we should trust in Him at all times, and in all circumstances, and make our requests known to Him, with a humble and obedient heart." The commentary emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep sense of humility and dependence on God, and of seeking His guidance and direction in all aspects of life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?