Psalm 55

Introduction

Psalm 55 1-2: The psalm begins as many others do, with a general complaint that “enemies” are causing unspecified troubles.

            3-8: The suffering the author is experiencing is an inner turmoil. It is said that the fear response of the amygdala (the brain's emotional control center) is either fight, flee or freeze. The psalmist obviously wants to flee the situation, to fly away to safety.

            9-11: He returns to the danger, which we learn is more widespread than first indicated, and describes a systemic problem, a cancer in the fabric of the community.

            12-15: Now we are told the true nature of the problem and why it has resulted in such anguish: it is not an enemy but a close friend who has betrayed him.  Still, the danger comes from “them,” not from an individual. We surmise that a friend has conspired with others who seek to do him harm.

            16-19: The author expresses confidence in God, however, and is certain of God's protection.

            20-21: More details are provided: this “friend” has deceived him and conspired with others to do harm to another friend whom the author obviously believes is innocent.

            22: I wonder if this verse is addressed to the friend who has been wronged, a word of encouragement from the author who has now discovered the true nature of the situation and is determine to come to his real friend's aid.

            23: The psalm ends with the familiar statement of trust that God will see that justice prevails.

Discussion

Psalm 55

In the exciting life of David problem follows problem as wave succeeds to wave. His gaps of rest were very little. All through his days dimness seems frequently to collect clouds. But he finds protection in God; and relief was his happy experience. This God is our God forever and ever. Let us trust. He will not fail us.

1 , 2. "Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles."

It is an honor that we may be of importance to the God. To utilize the boldness in the holy context is not an assumption, but to provide Him no relaxation due the grief of the audience. The people in this world are permitted by God to share their problems with Him in terms of bereavement and pray to Him for their grief and sorrows to go away. The people cry out loud with tears coming out of their eyes and praying to Him for their problems to vanish.

3, 4, 5. "Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sorely pained within me; and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me."

It is important to share your distress in the form of prayer with your Lord. We can ...