Question 1

What does “in thy sight shall no man living be justified” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line shows David’s clear view of himself before God. He is not saying he is worse than everyone else, but that no human can stand before God and be declared right by their own record. All people have sinned and fall short of God’s pure standard. So when David asks God to hear him, he does not argue that he deserves help. He asks God not to treat him by strict judgment, but by mercy. This teaches us to come to God humbly, trusting His grace, not our goodness.

Question 2

Why is David’s spirit overwhelmed and his heart desolate here?

Accepted Answer

David describes his enemy chasing his soul, pushing his life down to the ground, and making him feel like he lives in darkness, like someone long dead. Because of this, his inner life feels crushed and empty. He is weighed down by fear, grief, and a sense of God’s distance. Even so, he brings this honestly to God in prayer. This shows that deep believers can still feel overwhelmed, and that the right place for such feelings is before God, asking Him to restore and uphold us.

Question 3

What does it mean that David’s soul thirsts after God like a thirsty land?

Accepted Answer

The picture of a thirsty land is of dry, cracked ground waiting for rain. David uses this to describe his deep need for God. He is not just asking for an easier life; he longs for God’s presence and help. His hands are stretched out in prayer because he knows only God can refresh his worn-out heart. This image helps us see that our greatest need in trouble is not first a change of circumstances, but God Himself coming to us with His grace and comfort.

Question 4

Why does David ask, “Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God”?

Accepted Answer

David does not only ask to be rescued from danger; he wants to live in a way that pleases God. By saying, “Teach me to do thy will,” he admits he does not naturally know or obey God’s way and needs God to instruct and shape him. He trusts that God’s Spirit is good and will lead him into a straight, upright path. This shows that real prayer in hardship is not only, “Get me out,” but also, “Change me and guide me so I walk your way in this situation.”

Question 5

What is David asking when he prays, “Hide not thy face from me”?

Accepted Answer

In the Bible, God’s face stands for His favor and nearness. When David says, “Hide not thy face from me,” he fears being left without any sense of God’s presence or help. He feels close to those who “go down into the pit,” meaning he feels near despair and even death. He begs God to answer quickly because his spirit is failing. This shows that what troubles him most is not only his enemies, but the thought of God withdrawing. He longs for God’s smile again.

Question 6

How does David find hope when he feels like he is in darkness?

Accepted Answer

David responds to his dark feelings by looking back and looking up. He remembers “the days of old” and thinks carefully about all God’s works and the things God has made. Remembering how God has helped in the past gives him courage in the present. He also stretches out his hands in prayer, admitting his need and thirst. So even while he feels like one long dead, he holds to God’s character and past mercies as grounds to hope for present help.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This prayer shows God as faithful, righteous, loving, and merciful. David asks God to answer in His faithfulness and righteousness, not David’s. He trusts in God’s “lovingkindness,” that steady love that does not change. He calls God’s Spirit good, believing God leads His servants into upright paths, not into harm. When he asks to be rescued “for thy name’s sake,” he shows that God’s own honor is tied to caring for His people. God is just toward enemies and gentle toward those who seek Him.

Question 8

Why does David end by asking God to cut off his enemies?

Accepted Answer

David’s prayer against his enemies can sound harsh, but he is not talking about personal revenge. These enemies are those who “afflict my soul” and fight against God’s servant and purposes. By asking God to cut them off in mercy to him, he is handing over judgment to God, not taking it himself. He trusts God to decide what justice looks like. This plea also shows how serious the threat is. He looks to God alone for protection and leaves the final outcome with Him.

Question 9

How can someone today use this prayer when feeling overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives words for anyone who feels crushed, guilty, or under attack. You can follow David’s pattern: admit your sin and weakness, ask God not to deal with you by strict justice, remember how He has helped before, and tell Him honestly that your spirit feels like it is failing. Ask God to let you hear His lovingkindness again, to show you which way to walk, to teach you to do His will, and to deliver you from whatever “enemies” threaten your soul. It is a simple, honest way to turn despair into prayer.

Psalm 143:1

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

Cross References

Psalm 143:1

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

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I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

Cross References