PSALM 55. For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David.

Theme: Expressing deep dismay over the treachery of a close friend. When friends hurt us, the burden is too difficult to carry alone.

Author: David

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/55.html

1 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2 hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught 3 because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 I would flee far away and stay in the desert; 8 I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” 9 Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. 11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. 15 Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them. 16 As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. 20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. 21 His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. 22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

Study Notes:

55:1ff This psalm most likely was written during the time of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal (2 Samuel 15--17). Some say verses 12-14 are Messianic because they also describe Judas's betrayal of Christ (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25).

55:6-8 Even those who are especially close to God, as David was, have moments when they want to escape from their problems and pressures.

55:9-11 The city that was supposed to be holy was plagued by internal problems: violence, strife, malice, abuse, destruction, threats, and lies. External enemies, though a constant threat, were not nearly as dangerous as the corruption inside. Even today, churches often look to defend themselves against troubles from the sinful world while failing to see that their own sins are causing their troubles.

55:12-14 Nothing hurts more than a wound from a friend. There may be times when friends will lovingly confront you in order to help you. Real friends stick by you in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. What kind of friend are you? Don't betray those you love.

55:17 Praying evening, morning, and noon is certainly an excellent way to maintain correct priorities throughout every day. Daniel followed this pattern (Daniel 6:10), as did Peter (Acts 10:9, 10). [I highlighted the next sentence.]. The prayers of God's people [#PrayerWarriors] are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world.

55:22 God wants us to cast our cares on him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves, even when we say we are trusting in him. Trust the same strength that sustains you to carry your cares also.

I came to the table this morning with joy and gratitude in my heart after reading two posts here on GAW--1) About Ivermectin working on a critically ill loved one, and 2) About Hershel Walker's ad created after he decided to run for office and serve the people. Then I read this psalm and I thought about betrayal of deception from dishonest leaders, from our own ignorance, and from our separation from God. In everything I thought about this morning and talked to God about, there was a combination of joy and sorrow. I kept thinking about those words, "It didn't have to be this way.". I wound up thinking about the power of God, the truth, and our power derived from our connection to him through prayer. I wound up where David did at the end of this psalm, "But as for me, I trust in you."

Thank you, Lord, that our trust in you is well placed. You are faithful even when we and others are not. Lord, give us your strength and courage to be truthful in our commitments. Help us to serve each other honestly, and without harm to each other, our nation or our world. Lord, let us live in truth as you intended. Thank you for our salvation through your Son, the Christ, for it is in His name I pray.

A Song (a favorite of my Mom's): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yArH_l_xN7c

Have a blessed and joy filled day.