Psalm 55 is another maskil of David
written for the choir director. The indication in the superscript was for it to
be sung with the stringed instrument. The substance of this song clearly shows
a prayer of a person that was undergoing great duress. The Psalm tells us that
David was betrayed by a friend and besieged by enemies. There is a strong suggestion
that at this point he was recalling what his son Absalom did to him, at the
goading of his once close associate, Ahithopel. More details of the rebellion of
this wayward son and the mischief of his once counsel, Ahitophel, can be found
in 2 Samuel 15-18. Here we see David’s swelling
emotion as he described the ill intent and betrayal of people whom he thought
were friendly. He had trusted them yet it turned out that they did him in. He described
them with deep anguish and disappointment. Disappointed as he was with them, he
was glad to have a faithful God whom he could show his confidence. He was glad
he could abandon himself to this God and trust His good will toward him.
In this Psalm, we see three clear definite
things David did (1) he made his petition to God; (2) he expressed his anguish over
his enemies who came against him but more disappointed was he with a friend who
turned out to be a betrayer; but (3) He expressed his complete trust in God despite
being disappointed with his so-called lowdown friend. In verses 1-8, David
expressed the troubles that confounded him. He described those people that came
against him. They disliked him intensely, spoke ill of him, acted against him and
plotted his destruction. David also spoke about his deep anguish and fear that
overwhelmed him. He even expressed his fear of death and wished he could find a
place to hide.
In verses 9-15, David turned to
denounce those that came against him. David could understand if they were
people whom he had offended in the past and had come against him. What was
disappointing to him was among his opponents was someone he considered a
friend, who had shared meals and fellowship with him. He was deeply hurt that
he should now come against him. And he was greatly affected by him. Perhaps
some of us who have had similar experience can vouch for David that the feeling
is truly deeply hurting. Let’s be vigilant
in our friendship with Jesus. We must be sure not to betray Him for the
friendship of the world. Let’s have Jesus anytime.
While David talked about his opponent,
He also talked about his absolute trust in God. Like him, we should call upon God
and find His deliverance. Our God won’t mind listening to the honest expression
of our fear and anxiety. This God we have come to honor and worship is eternal,
the unchanging one, who had been on the throne and will be on the throne
forever. We can cast our burden on Him and as the Apostle Peter had said in his
letter, “He cares for us.” And we can be
assured that, “He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Remember that
we have a great friend in Jesus whom we can bring everything to in prayer. Life
journey will be frayed with uncertainties. Close friends may even betray us at
times. But take comfort for we have a friend in Jesus who sticks closer than a
brother. He will walk with us through thick and thin. Praise His glorious name!
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