Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 143:7-12

"Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit. 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. Deliver me, O Jehovah, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; Lead me in the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Jehovah, for thy name`s sake: In thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. And in thy lovingkindness cut off mine enemies, And destroy all them that afflict my soul; For I am thy servant." — Psalms 143:7-12 (ASV)

David prays that God would be well pleased with him, and let him know that He was so. He pleads the wretchedness of his case if God withdrew from him. But the night of distress and discouragement shall end in a morning of consolation and praise.

He prays that he might be enlightened with the knowledge of God's will; and this is the first work of the Spirit. A good man does not ask for the most pleasant way to walk, but for the right way. Not only show me what your will is, but teach me how to do it.

Those who have the Lord for their God have his Spirit for their Guide; they are led by the Spirit. He prays that he might be enlivened to do God's will. But we should especially seek the destruction of our sins, our worst enemies, that we may be devotedly God's servants.