Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies! (Psalm 143:9)

David has been chased into hiding - perhaps in a cave - by enemies who have "crushed" him and made him sit in darkness.

David asks that God "make haste." He asks that his enemies be cut off and destroyed by the next morning.

We don't know what happened the next morning. We do know that after a long lifetime of troubles David died in his own bed. We also know that he made a death-bed request to kill his surviving enemies. (See 1 Kings 2: 5-9) So much for inspiring last words.

David was his own worst enemy. His strength, intelligence, passion, and power were too often misdirected. Through bad judgment and intentional betrayal he made many enemies. As a leader and an innovator he attracted more enemies, even when his judgment was sound and his actions good.

David's saving grace was a self-awareness of his persistently contradictory strengths and weaknesses.

In the midst of his hate, fear, and impatience David also prays, "Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!" (Psalm 143: 8-10)

Let me accept your steadfast love. Teach me the way to you. Deliver me from my own fear, arrogance, and error. Teach me to make your will my will, for you are my only reality. Send me quickly your way.