Psalm 143 is known as one of the Seven Penitential Psalms. David recognizes his own sin, his utter unworthiness, yet He turns to God requesting and expecting what Luther called “fatherly divine goodness and mercy.” I think this gives us a good picture of how God’s people, even before the time of Christ, were saved by trusting in His grace, His mercy, His Love, His promise of deliverance. David admits his inability to save Himself, so He turns to the one from whom help comes.

You and I are fortunate to live in the time after Christ. We have heard eyewitness accounts of how God carried out His plan of salvation for all people through His only-begotten Son. You have the Biblical record that clearly points to Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You know that for the sake of Jesus Christ, because of His death in your place and His resurrection to defeat death for you, God has promised you forgiveness for all sins and eternal life with Him. That really is Good News for each of us.

As I said, David did not have that perspective. He was not looking back in faith. Yet he had the same kind of confidence, because His faith was in the one who promised to send a Savior. Knowing that Savior was coming gave David the same assurance of mercy and grace and forgiveness that you and I have. And that comes through in this Psalm.

What I’d like to do now is have you think about this setting, prior to the time of Christ, yet anticipating Him, as I go through this Psalm and offer a paraphrase.

O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Lord, I’m hurting. You and I both know it. I’ve messed up. I’ve done wrong. I admit that. But now I don’t know what to do. In fact, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is nothing I can do. I don’t have a prayer….well, that’s not quite right. I do have a prayer, and I’m offering it to you. You are the one who can help. And you have promised that you will.

Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

As I said, you and I both know what I’ve done. I deserve punishment. I have not done what you demand. I have done what you forbid. No one can live up to what you expect! Yet I’m begging for mercy, Lord. Don’t give me what I deserve.

The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.

It seems as though Satan has complete control over me. He makes me feel guilty, which I am. I don’t know if I could feel any lower. Sometimes I wish I were dead. I’m tired of feeling this bad.

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

It hasn’t always been this bad. If I just stop and look around, I see evidence of you, Lord, and your goodness. I have heard all the stories of how you have delivered your people in their times of need. You mercy is so obvious in so many lives. I should spend more time thinking about all the good things you have done for me in my life.

I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

O.K., Lord, I’m turning to you again for help. I’m desperate. I have nowhere else to turn. Don’t ignore me. I need an answer from you soon. If you don’t help me, no one will. Without your aid, I will be hopeless.

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 lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.

I believe the promises you have made to me, Lord. You have the power to help me, to heal me, to save me, to comfort me. I put myself in your hands. Show me what to do. Speak to me, Lord.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

I know I have turned away from what you have told me to do, God, so give me a refresher course. Remind me how you want me to live. Help me hear what you are saying, take it to heart, and live according to it.

For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

My own experience has taught me that your ways are best, Lord. You will deliver me and bring me out of trouble. Yet I continue to go astray. I am tempted on all sides. Help me. Give me the strength to resist those temptations. I want to live according to Your Laws. I want to walk in your ways. I want to be your servant.

As you listened to what David said in this Psalm, did you hear any words that sounded familiar? All of us have felt and thought those things at times, and no doubt will again. When you do, follow the example of David. Go to the source of help. Confess your faults. Talk it out, or should I say hash it out with God. He wants you to come to Him. And do so with the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Remember that His death has paid for your sin, so you can go to God and confidently ask forgiveness. And then join David in praying that God would empower you each day to live a life that responds to His goodness, a life pleasing to Him.