DAVID'S PLEA FOR HELP Psalm 143 I. Introduction. A. Background of Psalm. B. Probably final Psalm of this nature. C. While still a young man...spoke these words. D. This plan can be the plea for all, of any age or at any age. E. This Psalm is a series of petitions.(Note some). II. Body. A. A plea to God to hear him: v. 1-2. 1. Man, compared to God, is not righteous. 2. Perhaps David felt God had forgotten to deliver him from Saul. 3. Saul had the upper hand at this time. B. David's problems: v. 3-4. 1. Appears that David's foes have the upper hand. 2. David is having to hide in dark places. 3. David is confused because of his enemies' sucess. 4. Does God not want him to be delivered? C. The memory of David: v. 5-6. 1. Even as a young man, he remembered the good. 2. Too often--forget as an older person. 3. David realized his only hope was God. 4. Memory can be a blessing or a curse. 5. The Prodigal remembered. 6. Some remember too late. D. A plea for help: v. 7-8. 1. David felt he would die without God's help. 2. Sincere: He trusted in Jehovah. 3. David wanted to walk in the way of God. 4. Some will not walk in that way. 5. Some regret the way in which they have walked. 6. But--we cannot walk in the past. 7. All will walk the future: destiny determined by how it is walked. E. A source for help: v. 9-10. 1. Only God could help him now! 2. Imagine being pursued by the king. 3. In fleeing from Saul, he fled to God. 4. In seeking God's help, indicates he had so acted before and knew the source. F. A final plea: v. 11-12. 1. Jehovah could save him; Jehovah could punish his adversaries. 2. David could approach God: "because I am thy servant." III. Conclusion. A. David was in great trouble: he sought God's help. B. David has that right because he sought God in the pleasant times as well.-jy