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Illustration for Psalm 143: Lead Me, O LORD

Psalm 143

Lead Me, O LORD

When AfraidComfortWisdom

David is crushed and desperate and asks God for help. He meditates on all the good things God has done in the past and stretches out his hands to God like someone thirsting in a dry land. He asks God to teach him, lead him, and revive him.

  1. 1O LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief.
  2. 2Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
  3. 3The enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
  4. 4So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
  5. 5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider what Your hands have done.
  6. 6I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah
  7. 7Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the pit.
  8. 8Let the morning bring me word of Your loving devotion, for in You I put my trust. Show me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.
  9. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.
  10. 10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
  11. 11For Your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring my soul out of distress.
  12. 12In Your loving devotion, silence my enemies; destroy all the foes of my soul, for I am Your servant.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)