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 confidence in God.
David’s confidence that God would save him and destroy his enemies (16-23)
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Prayer was not a new aspect of David’s life. The Bible records story after story in which David seeks God through prayer. David learned some lessons about God through his prayer time.
First, he learned that God hears and answers prayer. Verse 16 David is confident that the Lord will save him. Why? Because he had witness God save him in the past.
Second, he learned that prayer must be continual. Verse 17 alludes to the fact that we must be in a continual state of prayer. When we pray, God hears our prayers. He then answers our prayers with a yes, no, or wait.
Third, he learned God acts on the prayers of His saints. Verse 18-20 shows David’s confidence that God will act on his behalf.
Fourth, he learned to trust the Lord. When David was in peril, he gave the burden to the Lord, and each time God sustained him.
These are principles that we need to embrace. Do we know God well enough to trust Him with our burdens, problems, and needs? Do we believe God hears and answers our prayers?
Remember that God is ever present, all knowing, and all powerful. There is nothing that He cannot do.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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