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Psalm 55
David wrote Psalm 55 in response to his own betrayal by a close friend. Scripture does not identify the specific occasion, but many scholars have concluded that the setting involves David’s son, Absalom, revolting against him while he was king. In this particular incident, David’s chief counselor and trusted friend switched his allegiance from David to Absalom. As David reflects on this betrayal, he has many turbulent emotions raging within him, and so he pours out his heart to God. As he casts his burden on the Lord, a sense of trust and peace conquers his troubled spirit.
Throbbing with anguish and despair, David’s wounded heart can no longer contain the pain. In desperate need of comfort and help, David releases his anguish to God.
David had cried out to God from the moment Absalom began his revolt, but nothing had changed. From David’s perspective in this psalm, God is not listening to his prayers. Frustrated and fearful, he begs God not to ignore or abandon him. In his desperate attempt to get God’s attention, David uses every word he can think of to appeal to God. While David pleads with God to notice how deeply troubled he is, he constantly reveals a spirit of mourning in his complaint and shows that he is deep in thought regarding his dilemma. He is overwhelmed, covered by or clothed in, fearfulness, trembling, and horror.
Psalm 55 is a maschil (instructive) psalm, reaffirming two of the book’s most powerful lessons: first, we have the precious liberty to pour out our hearts to the Lord, to tell Him whatever we are feeling. Second, prayer empowers us to face every trouble and trial of life.
Psalm 55 also foreshadows Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, reminding us that our Savior experienced every excruciating trial that we face. He knows the stinging pain of betrayal, and He can sustain us when our friends turn against us.
- What are things burdening your heart today?
- Can you remember times when Jesus has sustained you, either through friends or by being your only friend?
Scripture
About this Plan
Sometimes God feels distant. As Christians, we know that God is always with us, but sometimes, this reality does not line up with our emotional experience. The Psalms honestly explore this desolate place of lonely suffering. In this three-day devotional we will look at Psalms 42, 55, & 22 for Biblical ways to express and work through difficult emotions. Devotionals are drawn from Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®.
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