5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.
5 I remembered the old days, went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.
5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 143:5
Commentary on Psalm 143:1-6
(Read Psalm 143:1-6)
We have no righteousness of our own to plead, therefore must plead God's righteousness, and the word of promise which he has freely given us, and caused us to hope in. David, before he prays for the removal of his trouble, prays for the pardon of his sin, and depends upon mercy alone for it. He bemoans the weight upon his mind from outward troubles. But he looks back, and remembers God's former appearance for his afflicted people, and for him in particular. He looks round, and notices the works of God. The more we consider the power of God, the less we shall fear the face or force of man. He looks up with earnest desires towards God and his favour. This is the best course we can take, when our spirits are overwhelmed. The believer will not forget, that in his best actions he is a sinner. Meditation and prayer will recover us from distresses; and then the mourning soul strives to return to the Lord as the infant stretches out its hands to the indulgent mother, and thirsts for his consolations as the parched ground for refreshing rain.