We’ve all been there — a place where life feels heavy, confusing, and overwhelming. A place we casually call a bad spot.

  • Your car won’t start — and you just had it fixed last week.
  • Your boss emails you, and because of your past performance, you’re already bracing for the worst.
  • The doctor calls and says, “We need to meet in person about your results.”
  • The kids are back in school, but still stuck in vacation mode, and the struggle is real.
  • Your friends seem to have time for everyone but you.
  • Even in marriage or relationships, instead of praying together, you’re arguing. Instead of hope, there’s despair.

Bad spots look different for all of us. But the good news? We’re not left to face them alone.

Psalm 143 gives us a roadmap for what to do when we’re in one.

1. I’m in a Bad Spot — But God is Available

David prayed:

“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.”
(Psalm 143:1)

This psalm is called a lament, and some believe David wrote it while fleeing from his own son Absalom — a situation born out of his own mistakes. Sometimes, like David, we end up in self-created bad spots.

But here’s the grace: even when it’s our fault, God is still available.

“I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Do not fear, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Our pride, fear of rejection, or low self-worth may keep us from calling on God. But over and over, the Bible shows us He still answers:

  • Jonah disobeyed and ran, but God met him inside the belly of a fish.
  • Elijah hid in a cave, but God spoke to him there.
  • Sarah laughed in disbelief, but God still gave her a miracle.

The best ability is availability — and God is always available.

2. I’m in a Bad Spot — But the Tables Can Turn

David continues:

“My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground… I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.”
(Psalm 143:3–4)

Sound familiar? When life gets heavy, we isolate, self-medicate, or lose hope. But here’s where the tables turn: David kept praying.

Instead of giving silence to his pain, he gave it to God. That’s the shift for us too — choosing to call on God, even when it’s hard.

And then, David remembers:

“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.”
(Psalm 143:5)

When you recall God’s past faithfulness, you strengthen your hope for the present.

  • If He healed before, He can heal again.
  • If He made a way before, He’ll make one now.
  • If He turned tables before, He’ll flip them again.

Sometimes the turn starts with nothing more than remembering.

3. I’m in a Bad Spot — But Breakthrough Happens

David doesn’t stop at remembering; he surrenders:

“I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.”
(Psalm 143:6)

Breakthrough begins with submission. You can’t run with your hands up. When we release control, we position ourselves to receive.

And David boldly asks God to move:

  • “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning.”
  • “Rescue me from my enemies.”
  • “Teach me to do your will.”
  • “For the glory of your name, preserve my life.”

That’s what breakthrough looks like — when God’s power collides with our surrender.

Hope for Your Bad Spot

Family, being in a bad spot doesn’t mean you’re in a final spot.

  • God is available.
  • Tables can turn.
  • Breakthrough can happen.

The same God who was faithful to David is faithful to you.

So if you find yourself in a bad spot today, don’t give up. Lift your hands. Call on Him. Remember what He’s already done. And watch Him bring you through.