Psalm 143 Journal Starter

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We hope these journal starters spark reflection on the Psalms.

If you want to, you can share some of your thoughts in the comments section below. We would love to hear how God is working in your heart.

You can listen to Psalm 143 here. You can find Psalm 143 in the New International Version here.

David showed the deep suffering he was going through in verses 3 and 4 of this psalm:
The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed. 

God helped David shift his gaze from the pain he was going through to what God had done. He wrote in verse 5, "I remember the days of long ago;/ I meditate on all your works/ and consider what your hands have done."

David's meditation on the goodness of God seems to have led to an increased desire for God. He said that he thirsted for the LORD like a dry land.

In invite you to pray these words (verse 8 through 10):
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground. 

David was bold in bringing his requests to God. He wanted God to rescue him from trouble (11) and he wanted his enemies to be silenced (12).