Good morning,
David was a man of prayer. Many of the Psalms are David’s prayer for aid during times of distress. Psalm 55 is one of those Psalms. David is praying for deliverance from his enemies, the destruction of his enemies, and in confidence that God would protect him.
The context of Psalm 55 is rooted in 2 Samuel 13-15. Please read these chapters to see why David was praying.
2 Samuel 13:1-22 Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom’s sister
2 Samuel 13:23-39 Absalom’s Revenge (He has Amnon killed)
2 Samuel 14:1-33 Absalom forgiven and restoration
2 Samuel 15:1-12 Absalom’s rebellion
2 Samuel 15:13-37 David flees Jerusalem Verse 31 tells us the answer to the “who” in Psalm 55:12-14
Today we will look at David’s prayer for deliverance.
David prays for deliverance (1-8)
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
Have you ever been in a situation that was so overwhelming that you wanted to get completely away? That is where David is at. He wanted to fly away and be at rest.
However, His situation was brought about through his own sin. God spared his life, but told him that there would be internal family struggles. The rape of Tamar, murder of Amnon, and the rebellion of Absalom, was the consequence of David’s sin.
Sometimes the overwhelming situations are for our growth or testing. Our greatest growth comes from the experiences in the valleys as opposed to those on the mountaintops.
So David cried out to God! That is what God wants us to do.
PRAY.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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