“Hear my Prayer, O LORD"
(Psalm 143)
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Psalm 143:1-2)
David lived a life of continual conflict both on and off the battlefield. Although surrounded by fearless men willing to follow him even to death, David knew in his heart he had but one true and faithful Friend. One in whom he could always fully confide and wholly trust, His Lord. He knew him intimately, and though infinitely righteous, David knew he would mercifully hear and answer His servant's desperate cry for help.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. (Psalm 143:3-4)
This was no ordinary prayer. This was David’s heart and soul pleading helplessly for immediate divine intervention into an otherwise hopelessly horrible situation.
Neither you nor I, have undoubtedly ever found ourselves fleeing from a ruthless king with murder in his eyes. And yet the enemies we face are without question even more deceitful and deadly than was King Saul.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1Peter 5:8)
Although the child of God knows Satan can never rob us of our eternal salvation, he can drag us into the depths of desperation and despair. Destroying the child of God is his greatest desire.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. (Psa 143:5-6)
David knew well that there was but One who could and would deliver him in his time of overwhelming distress. Although his circumstances remained unchanged, the Lord had answered David’s cry. The focus of his heart and mind were divinely lifted from the depths of his despair to the glorious memories of divine deliverances of the past.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:16-19)
You and I know the Lord did not miraculously preserve these wonderful, true historical accounts of David’s prayer and praise life with no good reason. He wanted all of His beloved children, from all ages, to know and understand, not only who He was and what He did, but who He is and what He does.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
The Lord wanted us to be assured that, as He was with David, even so, He would be with each of us in the same goodness, grace, and mercy. He has not changed. Our God of all grace still hears the cries of His children.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. 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. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant. (Psalm 143:7-12)
It would no doubt do us all great good to meditate and even memorize this entire Psalm.
The life you and I live is perhaps more like David’s than we know. The devil is still out to devour, the world is more wicked than ever, and this fallen flesh hates all the things of God.
Our lives, like David’s, are filled with troubles, trials, and temptations of every imaginable sort. Neither can we survive without God’s merciful deliverance from our enemies; without Him teaching us to do His will; without His good and sustaining Spirit to guide us; without us hearing the Lord’s lovingkindness in the morning, and without us knowing the way wherein we should walk.
We too are the Lord’s servants and we, by God’s grace, trust Him wholeheartedly even as David did because He has quickened us and sealed us with His Holy Spirit.
Lord, help us to learn from these inspired words of Your servant David that we must flee to You in faith, knowing Your ears are always open to the sincere cries of Your children.
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (Psalm 34:15)
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Heritage Bulletin August 9, 2026