Psalm 143

Norman Vincent Peale once told about finding a big, black cigar when he was a little boy. Quickly he slipped into an alley and lit it up. Peale said it didn’t taste good, but made him feel grown up. Until….

Until he saw his father coming. In a child-like fashion he quickly put the cigar behind his back, trying to conceal it. Desperate to divert his Dad’s attention, Norman pointed to a billboard advertising the circus.

“Can I go, Dad? Please, let’s go when it comes to town.”

Peale said his father’s rely taught him a lesson he never forgot. “Son,” he answered quietly but firmly, “Never make a petition while at the same time trying to hide a smoldering disobedience.”

This principle is often emphasized in reading the Psalms. Especially the penitent Psalms of David. In Psalm 143 he admits that he’s struggling. Suffering. Stricken. Feeling sorrowful and shameful.

So, what does David do? (Take a moment to read Psalm 143. Then consider these two points.)

#1 He talks to God about his problem. (Ps. 143:1-6)

In fact, it’s more than talking, or just saying a prayer. It is pleading. Imploring. Calling. Crying. Begging. And beseeching.

“Hear me,” he pleads. It’s the plaintive cry of one who’s hurting. One who is emotionally distraught and depressed by guilt. One who is seeking solace. One who desperately desires relief.

David’s problem was sin. He knew it. And he knew that God knew it. He doesn’t try to hide it. Excuse it. Whitewash it. Or minimize it.

David, like all of us, knew his sins deserved judgment. However, he cries for mercy and forgiveness. He is confident in his request because he believes in God’s righteousness.

As a side note, David said that he remembered “the days of old.” Perhaps reflecting on his days as a shepherd boy, his victory over Goliath, and his escape from King Saul’s jealous outbursts, seeking his harm. Through all of this God protected David and preserved his life to accomplish His purpose. When times are tough, and we suffer troubles of our own making, it’s helpful to reflect back on our blessings and remember God’s grace and goodness in our lives.

#2 He waits for God’s Answer (Ps. 143:7-12).

“Answer me,” David confidently cries. He’s obviously anxiously anticipating God’s answer to his prayer.

David needed to see God’s face (figuratively speaking). He wanted to hear God’s Word. He desired to experience God’s protection. And he anticipated God’s reward.

“Revive me, O Lord,” was David’s desire and his urgent need. “Revival” is a word that is not often used in our culture. It’s a good word. It speaks to recovery. Renewal. Restoration. Resurgence. And rejuvenation.

Do you need a revival in your life? Psalm 143 is a good template to follow. Pour your heart out to God, as David did. Confess your shortcomings. Seek His mercy. Draw close to Him. And expect His answer to bless you.

I wonder how many churches need an old fashioned revival? How many are lukewarm like Laodicea and don’t know it (Rev. 3:14-22)? Or have left their first love like Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7)? Or are dead like Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)?

Remember, repent and return is the Lord’s desire for diligent Christians and wayward Churches. Never forget, our petitions are meaningless when we’re hiding a smoldering sin.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman