God is Good

David’s prayer in Psalm 143 is deeply personal. He is not just facing outward trouble but inward despair. In verse 3, he speaks of an enemy who persecutes his soul. By verse 4, his spirit is overwhelmed. We can relate—life’s burdens often weigh us down beyond what our own strength can handle.

But David does not stay in discouragement. In verse 5, he looks back and remembers God’s past faithfulness, and in verse 6 he turns his heart to worship, thirsting for God above all else. That leads him to verse 8, where he prays, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

Here we see a surrendered heart. David longs not for his own way, but for God’s way. He desires clear direction, knowing that God’s plan is both good and trustworthy. By verse 10, he rests in the truth that God’s will flows from His goodness: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”

When we are overwhelmed, we too can find hope by remembering God’s past faithfulness, lifting our souls to Him in worship, and asking Him to guide our steps. His will may not always be the easiest path, but it will always be the best, because it comes from a good and loving God.

Thought to carry today: When I feel overwhelmed, I will pause, remember God’s goodness, worship Him, and seek His will—trusting that His way is always good.