Passage: Psalm 55
The Big Idea
Psalm 55 comes from deep anguish. David is overwhelmed with fear and wishes he had wings like a dove to fly away. The worst wound isn’t from an enemy, but from a close friend he worshiped with. Yet he resolves to call on God evening, morning and noon, and he finds the promise every burdened heart needs: Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.
Reflections
Give ear to my prayer, O God (vv. 1-2). You never reject me. Jesus carries my prayers to You, and the Spirit intercedes for me too (Romans 8:26, 34). Thank You for yesterday’s answers; I’m asking for more today. My soul is in anguish over people I love who don’t yet have Your life in them. I trust You to bring them to Yourself with a strong hand. Like Paul, my heart aches for them (Romans 9:3), yet I could never turn away from You.
Because of the voice of the enemy (v. 3). The enemy holds strongholds close to me. But he can’t stand against prayer and You. So I pray with all my heart. Deliver those I love from his deceptions.
My heart is severely pained within me (vv. 4-8). My feelings have been a wreck: fear, trembling, horror. Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I did want to escape. The storm was too heavy for my weakness.
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues (vv. 9-11). The enemy plans violence and strife and has infected what should be Yours. Lord, take it back. Send Your victorious Spirit.
It is not an enemy who reproaches me… but it was you, my companion (vv. 12-14). I can understand enemies hating me. But when it’s someone I trusted, it’s so hard to rise above. When it’s someone I worshiped with, it hurts even more. I love Your church, and I see how You love it too.
As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me (v. 16). I’ll always call on You. I have only one hope and one plan: You. I’ll call and wait, and You’ll answer, act and save, and get all the glory. Others hope in their strength, plans or philosophies. You’re my only hope.
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray (v. 17). Jesus, three times a day I’ll come to You. I’ve grown used to praying only in my head, but I’ll learn to lift my voice, because You delight to hear it and He shall hear my voice.
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle (vv. 18-19). You’ve given my inner self peace. The battle rages around me, but I dwell with You, quiet and at peace. My soul should always be submitted to Your Spirit. When I’m disturbed, I’ll remember the blood that redeemed me. I’ll let You fight those who fight You. I’m Your child and part of Your bride. I won’t defend myself or turn to other saviors.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter (vv. 20-21). Evil often hides behind smooth words. Protect me from deceptions I can’t see. I look to You, who sees everything.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (v. 22). What a promise! Thank You for this word. Thank You that You’ve made me righteous through Your Son’s blood and covenant, that You defend and sustain me. I don’t deserve such grace. Teach me to rest in Your promises. Everything in my life is under Your hand, so I can know Your love is behind it all. Peace floods my heart. My eyes, heart, soul and lips will stay on You.
But I will trust in You (v. 23). I’m humbled that my sin is forgiven, while all who reject Jesus must answer for their own. So I’ll trust You. Your love and grace are all I’ll ever need.
Grace Takeaway
If you want to fly away today, you’re not alone; David did too. Instead, cast your burden on the Lord. He won’t just carry the burden. He’ll sustain you.
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