Psalm 143

Common English Bible

³ The enemy is chasing me,^[a]
    crushing my life in the dirt,
        forcing me to live in the dark
            like those who’ve been dead forever.
⁴ My spirit is weak inside me—
    inside, my mind is numb.

⁵ I remember the days long past;
    I meditate on all your deeds;
    I contemplate your handiwork.
⁶ I stretch out my hands to you;
    my whole being is like dry dirt, thirsting for you.^[b] Selah

⁷ Answer me, Lord—and quickly! My breath is fading.
    Don’t hide your face from me
        or I’ll be like those going down to the pit!
⁸ Tell me all about your faithful love come morning time,
    because I trust you.
Show me the way I should go,
    because I offer my life up to you.
⁹ Deliver me from my enemies, Lord!
    I seek protection from you.^[c]
10 Teach me to do what pleases you,
    because you are my God.
Guide me by your good spirit
        into good land.
¹¹ Make me live again, Lord, for your name’s sake.
    Bring me out of distress because of your righteousness.
¹² Wipe out my enemies because of your faithful love.
    Destroy everyone who attacks me,
        because I am your servant.