David’s song in Psalm 143 may be connected with Psalm 142 given that his current situation left him with the same description of his spiritual state: my spirit is overwhelmed within me (v. 4). This is more than simply being overwhelmed with too many things to do, or feeling inadequate to a given task – this is an experience of total physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish – depicted in the following phrases:
The enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground (v. 3)
He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead (v. 3).
My heart is appalled (or desolate) within me (v. 4).
My soul longs for Thee, as a parched land (v. 6) – an expression associated with spiritual dryness.
My spirit fails; do not hide Thy face from me, lest I become like those who go down to the pit (v. 7).
Bring my soul out of trouble…destroy all those who afflict my soul (vv. 11-12).
On top of it all is a sense of guilt on David’s part; namely that some of his affliction may be the result of his own sin.
Do not enter into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight no man living is righteous (v. 2).
David is stating a truth when he says that no man living is righteous. And it is his understanding of the truth of who God is that drives him to seek the LORD alone in his desperate situation. David knows that God is faithful (v. 1); that He alone is righteous (vv. 1, 11); that He is merciful (vv. 8, 12); and He is good (v. 10). As such, David models for us what it means to seek the LORD.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear…answer me! (v. 1).
I will meditate on all God’s works (v. 5); and stretch out my hands to Thee (v. 6).
I trust in Thee; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to Thee I lift up my soul (v. 8).
Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee (v. 9).
Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground (v. 10).
For the sake of Thy name, O LORD, revive me (v. 11). Can these phrases become the words that express my heart to the Lord God?