A Psalm of David

`Psalm 143    A Psalm of David     from The Message

Listen to this prayer of mine, God;

pay attention to what I’m asking.

Answer me—you’re famous for your answers!

            Do what’s right for me.

But don’t, please don’t, haul me into court;

            Not a person alive would be acquitted there.

The enemy hunted me down;

            He kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.

He put me in a black hole,

            buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.

I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,

my heart heavy, like lead.

I remembered the old days,

            went over all you’ve done, pondered the ways you’ve worked.

Stretched out my hands to you,

            as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.

Hurry with your answer God!

            I’m nearly at the end of my rope.

Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me!

            That would be certain death.

If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,

            I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.

Point out the road I must travel;

            I’m all ears, all eyes before you.

Save me from my enemies, God—

            you’re my only hope!

Teach me how to live to please you,

            Because you’re my God.

Lead me by your blessed Spirit

            Into cleared and level pastureland.

Keep up your reputation, God—give me life!

            In your justice, get me out of this trouble!

In your great love, vanquish my enemies;           

            Make a clean sweep of those who harass me.

And why? Because I’m your servant.

            To better understand this Psalm, I’ve begun with the

Eugene Peterson version from The Message.

This is the last of seven scattered penitential Psalms. Divided into four sections, the first half shows David in great despair. All the way through he looks to God for justice, for visibility, remembering better days of how God worked, for quenching his extreme thirst.

Think of it as looking for hope, as you struggle to find a path through a massive disorganized junkyard. Thorn covered weeds are everywhere. In the dark it’s a dangerous path.

            In the second half, David is still calling on God for attention, then help. He feels ignored or deserted… feeling desperate.

            Then, as morning dawns, he seems to come to a clearing. He comes into a meadow of hope. Drifting spring clouds remind him God is still there. David asks for direction, promising to rely only on God. “I’m unemployed… bankruptcy lurks”.

            Lead me in the right path—I’m relying on you alone. Ultimately, I’m working with you, Lord.

                                                                                                Gordon Stromberg

                                                                                                Lenten blog  4-9-11