Psalm 55: The Lord Will Sustain

David was brought into great distress by this rebellion. . . . His wisdom from God, his energy and war-like skill, had enabled him to successfully resist the assaults of his enemies. But this unnatural warfare, arising in his own house, and the rebel being his own son, seemed to confuse and weaken his calm judgment. And knowing that this evil had been predicted by the prophet, and that he had brought it upon himself, by his transgressing the commandments of God, destroyed his skill and former unequaled courage.” David has four pleas: “Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me” (Psalm 55:1, 2).

He is beset by guilt and the fear of death (vv. 1–5).

He longs to fly from trouble with dove’s wings and escape strife (vv. 6–8).

“We need to beware of following the instinct that prompts us to escape from circumstances. . . . Our work, our home, our relationships, our responsibilities, are a discipline essential to the development of Christian character. Rather than ‘fly away,’ we should ‘call upon God’ (v. 16).” David could have handled the duplicity of strangers (vv. 9–12), but he finds the treachery and betrayal of a close friend devastating (vv. 13, 14).

This confidant had worshiped with David (vv. 13, 14)! Morning, noon, and night, David calls upon God to punish these turncoats (vv. 15–17).

The traitor, who had been his close friend, is once again in his thoughts in verse 20. This man, professing friendship, was cunning (v. 21).

His betrayal is difficult to bear.

Only God can support David and see him triumph over this painful personal loss (v. 22). Evil will be punished, for David trusts God to carry the burden of justice (v. 23).

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, / And He shall sustain thee; / He never will suffer the righteous to fall.”