Psalms 55
Psalm 55 is a psalm that portrays the process of crying out to God for help amid the writer’s intense suffering and pain of betrayal, and then restoring trust once again. Overall, it follows a structured flow of lament, appeal, and confession of faith.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.
2verseAttend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan
3versebecause of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.
4verseMy heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.
5verseFearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.
6verseI said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.
7verseBehold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah.
8verse“I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.”
9verseConfuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10verseDay and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.
11verseDestructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.
12verseFor it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him.
13verseBut it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.
14verseWe took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.
15verseLet death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling.
16verseAs for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me.
17verseEvening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.
18verseHe has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.
19verseGod, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God.
20verseHe raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.
21verseHis mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
22verseCast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
23verseBut you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.
An Appeal in Pain and Anxiety (Verses 1-8)
- The psalmist earnestly asks to have his plea heard. (Verses 1-2)
- He vents his fear and anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by his enemies, and expresses his sincere desire to escape from reality because of his suffering. (Verses 4-8)
- This section clearly reveals human weakness and the true feelings that surface in moments of crisis.
The Grief of Betrayal (Verses 9-15)
- The emphasis is that the enemy is not someone “out there,” but rather someone close—a betrayal by a friend who was there beside him. (Verses 12-14)
- The psalmist confesses that the wound is even deeper because it came from someone he had fellowshipped with and worshiped.
- Because of this, he suffers the pain of a heart that is torn apart, yet still he lays his hurt before God.
Trust in God’s Justice (Verses 16-23)
- In the midst of difficulty, the psalmist makes the decision to cry out to God without changing. (Verses 16-17)
- By placing his trust in God, he expresses confidence that God will keep and protect him, and that the deeds of the wicked will ultimately be judged. (Verses 18-23)
- In the end, there is an exhortation to entrust all burdens to God. (Verse 22: "Cast your burden upon the LORD")
Meditation Points
- In a situation of deep suffering and betrayal, reflect on to whom I confess my heart.
- Even in wounds and sorrow, think back on what it means to trust God.
- Also, consider what it truly means to entrust the weight of life to God.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I too, when I face moments of unexpected pain and disappointment in life, can pray honestly to God just as the psalm writer did.
- I need to practice not trying to bear the burdens of life that I carry on my own, but instead entrusting them to God.
- The more painful my heart is, the more I make the decision to rely on God and to trust Him.
