Psalm 55
1. This psalm, filled with the language of lament, shows David pouring out his heart to God because of betrayal. While we cannot be sure, some think that this psalm was written when David was betrayed either by Absolom or Ahithophel, or possibly at the conclusion of being betrayed by both (Second Samuel 15-18).
2. Verses 1-3 contain a prayer filled overflowing from a heart of anguish. David, simply put, pleads with God just to hear him. He admits to being restless and of having many difficulties due to his enemies. As we have said in this series many times, David was never afraid to say whatever what on his heart to God in prayer. How do I pray?
3. Verses 4 and 5 show how terribly David is hurting. He is in terror; he is fearful; he is even trembling due to his situation. After this description, David, in verses 6-8, admits he would like to simply escape. While we often pray for God’s intervention (and David already has an will again), we sometimes just wish we could get away from a difficult situation. David wishes he could just go to the wilderness!
4. However, after wishing to get away, David now turns his attention back to the power of God. Beginning with verse 9, David begins to ask for God’s help in facing his enemies. He will also take the time to list several terrible things the enemies have done.
5. It is verses 12-14 that show us that David is not just fearing some outside threat; instead, he is feeling betrayed. Verse 13 calls this one, “My companion and my familiar friend.” Verse 14 shows us that this one used to worship with David. Sadly, all of us know how it hurts to be betrayed, but it hurts so much more when we are betrayed by one who is supposed to be a brother or sister.
6. Verse 16 shows, though, that David’s faith in God is not shaken by this betrayal from man: “As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me.” When someone does wrong to me, am I able to continue being faithful?
7. David also “promises” that he will be complaining about this situation both at evening and morning, but God will continue to hear him (verse 17). When I have something on my mind, I don’t need to be afraid to take it to God many times. I need to understand that He hears and He acts, but God wants to hear my thoughts, even if they are the same as they were yesterday!
8. Verse 19 gives the real problem of the one who has betrayed David (and who would betray anyone), “Who do not fear God.”
9. Verse 21 gives a great description of one who is a betrayer at heart. He or she may say the right things, but their heart is not behind their words. David uses military language, seemingly because his betrayer has taken him to war, but the point is that this one does not care what he/she says, so long as they get people to believe them.
10. Verse 22 gives us one of the greatest reasons for speaking to God, even when we are burdened: “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Do I have the kind of faith that leads me to do that?
