Psalm 55

As I write we in the USA are in a political season.  When aren’t we?!  How sad the depths of character assassination candidates often descend to so as to elevate themselves.  Not all, but many.  And since we are awaiting the first primary, its candidates from one party vilifying others from the same party.  That is perhaps one of life’s situations that fit this Psalm.  It is the turning against of one’s former companion, seeking to publicly destroy one’s former associate.  David experienced this.  More critically, so did Jesus, our faithful High Priest who was tested in all points like we are!

Let us lay out the flow of this contemplation (Heb. maskel, Strong called it a “teaching or didactic poem”) of David.  Then let us meditate on it, allowing the Holy Spirit to encourage us in these kinds of trying times and reprove us lest we be one who would bring such pain to those close to us.  This is, in fact, a problem in families, churches, the workplace and every area of life’s relationships.

·        The plea to be heart, v1-3.  Think about the depth of David’s pain.  Perhaps you can identify with this in some relationship that has turned sour.

·        The pain in the heart, v4-8.  Meditate on the severity of David’s pain.  Note the strong desire to just escape, to run away from it all.  Sound familiar?

·        The problem with the enemy, v9-15.  This passage begins and ends with what is often referred to as “imprecatory” requests, asking God to render the enemy’s effort ineffective (v9) and let them instead reap the result they seek for others (v15).  In between is the two-fold problem.  First they are bringing trouble on the community (v10-11).  Second, it involves a former companion of David’s, one who is now deceitfully (v20-21) betraying his friend.  As we read this it is critical that we not simply feel sorry for ourselves if we are in such a situation; we must also ask the Spirit to show us if we are being such a person in that relationship.  Gossip and slander are often seen to be justifiable actions when we are dealing with issues; but in fact they are usually attacks on those we should be seeking out for restored relationships.  

·        The patient waiting upon God, v16-23.  Vs. 16 begins, “As for me.”  We must always be open to God’s leading in our lives to do the right thing, regardless of the actions of others.  Note carefully what David commits himself to: he will trust God!  He will bring it to God, cast it on the Lord (v22), and leave it with God!  “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord; “I will repay.”

Allow me to note one interesting use of a word in this Psalm.  In v3 David tells the Lord that the wicked “bring down trouble upon me.”  In v22 he affirms, “He (God) shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”  The verbs (bring down and moved) are the same Hebrew word.  God can be trusted.  He is more than a match for those who seek to make our lives difficult.  They may try to shake us up; but God will not allow it.  Our integrity is with Him; He will bring to light the truth about a situation.  Let us, with David, say: “I will trust in You.”