Many of us can relate to this Psalm, as we too have experienced the pain of being hurt by the actions of friends and family we trusted. Scholars suggest that this Psalm was compiled during Absalom’s rebellion, with David’s trusted counsellor Ahithophel being involved. However, David’s plea to God to deal with his enemies may not necessarily be directly related to Absalom. David did not mention anyone by name, so it can be understood as a universal experience of facing betrayal from those we trust.
My Thoughts Trouble Me
Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.
Psalm 55:1-5 (NIV)
David correctly identified the source of his agony and expressed his troubled thoughts to God. It is crucial to reflect on how our thoughts may be causing us distress. Nothing can bring us more sorrow than our lack of faith and misunderstandings. Despite God’s decision to appoint David as Saul’s successor, David spent his life trying to prove his righteousness to Saul, disregarding the presence of God. When David faced Goliath, he did not succumb to fear; instead, he immersed himself in God’s presence and displayed courage. However, in Saul’s presence, he demonstrated his physical and mental strength in an attempt to prove himself righteous and God-fearing. When our power of reasoning increases, our valour decreases. We must fully engage with God so that we may overcome the vulnerability of straying away from Him.
Fleeing Away From Life’s Challenges
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter,
Psalms 55:6-11(NIV)
far from the tempest and storm. ” Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.
It is a prevalent human frailty to evade confronting the realities of life and instead seek refuge in falsehood or contemplate ending it. Jesus entreated His Father not to remove us from this life, but to safeguard us. God admonishes us against the foolishness of hiding behind falsehoods. Jesus told His disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” He does not imply that He is sending us as prey for the wolves, but rather to demonstrate His protective power. Do not shy away from challenging situations; instead, confront them to recognize the protecting power of God.
David’s plea to confuse the wicked reveals his lack of awareness that they were already confounded. David viewed the problem with jaundiced eyes. How do we perceive the issues surrounding us? Is it through the filter of social media? Everywhere, evil manifests and the constant flow of information about these malevolent events instil fear within our hearts. We lose confidence in our society and confine ourselves within the four walls of our preconceptions, shaped by negative information. When death looms near, who will dare to venture out? Only those who believe in God, the giver of life, will courageously step into this dark world to emanate His light.
Who Is Our Enemy?
If an enemy were insulting me,I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.
Psalm 55:12-14 (NIV)
David discussed his tolerance towards his enemies, highlighting the pain caused by the treacherous act of a close friend. It is surprising to realize that, apart from our relatives and friends, we often view others as enemies. When strangers hurt us, we tend to tolerate or ignore their actions, as we have no expectations from them. For instance, we easily forget the abusive words of a fellow driver who may have been upset by our driving. However, we meticulously remember every word exchanged during a quarrel with our loved ones, causing us sleepless nights. We confide in those we believe are on our side, only to realize that, in the end, no one truly stands with us except for God.
Choosing our friends is a process often based on shared status and like-mindedness. This holds particularly true among believers who unite to worship and strengthen their faith. However, as these relationships develop, there is a tendency for individuals to prioritize personal ambitions over collective fellowship. This can lead to unhealthy competition and a departure from the true purpose of gathering as believers. Such behaviour contradicts the principles of genuine fellowship and can have a detrimental effect on the believer’s unity.
With the solemn portrayal of David’s emotional struggle, it is imperative that we prioritize our relationship with God above all other emotional or influential connections, particularly within the community of believers. It is essential to extend our compassion to those beyond our immediate fellowship, recognizing them as our friends as well. This approach will fortify our connection with God, enabling us to persevere through challenging circumstances.
My Companion Attacks His Friends
David sought God’s protection, appealing for the exclusive safeguarding of himself while praying for the downfall of others. This conduct is unbecoming of a child of God, yet it resonates with many believers who consider themselves faithful. It is imperative to remember that our God is the God of all people.
God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—
Psalm 55:19-21 (NIV)
he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
David highlights the unchanging nature of God and the hope for justice. He also observes his companions attacking their friends and expresses his discontent over this behaviour. Sometimes, we may react positively when our companions attack their friends without realizing that they may also attack us. David notes the contradiction between their words and actions. If we take pleasure in the comforting words of our companions, we become susceptible to their potential future attacks. Maintaining composure and not being swayed by flattery will empower us to endure false allegations when they arise.
I Trust You, God
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.
Psalm 55:22-23 (NIV)
The Psalmist openly expressed his unwavering trust in God. Although his initial trust was sincere, his expectation of God to shorten the lives of the wicked was misguided. Peter also reiterated the faithful care of God, emphasizing that no one can care for us as deeply as our God does. It is crucial to recognize that God’s care for us does not equate to neglecting the wicked. The love of God was fully revealed on the Cross for all of humanity, regardless of their worthiness. Believing in God’s care for us also entails understanding that He extends His grace to the wicked and sustains them, offering them the chance to be saved from eternal death. Embracing this perspective allows our trust in God to be truly complete.
God, guide us to discern righteous thoughts in our minds.
Enable us to embrace life and utilize it as a path to eternal life, rather than fleeing from it.
Keep us from engaging in numerous associations, and instead, anchor us in your relationship.
Grant us the wisdom to comprehend the unconditional love that is extended to all.
The Jordan Valley 
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