Psalm 55

 


In Psalm 55, David cries out to God as his life is in danger because of wicked enemies.  His situation is so overwhelming that he even longs to escape by flying far way with wings like a dove.  To add to the pain, his troubles are being caused by someone who was formerly a familiar friend.  Because of the resulting violence, strife, oppression and fraud he sees around him in the city, David calls for God's judgment and justice upon the wicked.  In contrast, the righteous can cast their burden upon the LORD and trust in Him!

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-5
    • David cries out to God in the midst of restlessness, trouble, anguish, terrors of death, fear, and overwhelming horror.  What situations in my life have caused me to go through similar experiences?
  • Verses 6-8
    • When are times that I have also longed to fly far away to find shelter from raging tempests?
  • Verses 9-11
    • Take time now to pray to the Lord, in the midst of the wickedness and trouble we see around us.
  • Verses 12-14
    • Jesus too was betrayed by Judas, one of his own disciples.  Say a prayer of thanks that Jesus understands the pain we experience when hurt by those who are close to us.
  • Verses 15-23
    • What do these verses show me about the contrast between the wicked and the righteous?
    • What burdens do I need to cast on the LORD and trust Him to sustain me through?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "Cast Thy Burdens" from Integrity Music with Don Moen:  Link


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 142

Image
  Psalm 142 is in the last set of those attributed to David (138-145). This is a cave psalm (like Psalm 57), likely when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave when his life was in danger. Thus, this is a prayer, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What are some troubles that drive me to cry out to the LORD? Verses 3-7 When we feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone, how is God our refuge, portion, deliverer? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 142" by Calvary Westlake:  Link
Read more