“In this song of praise, David, the most trusting of God than all men, shows that even him can be overtaken by fear. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me, hunting me down in their anger.
My heart is in anguish. The terror of death overpowers me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me. I can’t stop shaking. Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! (Wow…David is overcome by fear.) I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape – far away from this wild storm of hatred.
Destroy them, Lord and confuse their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. Murder and robbery are everywhere there; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you – my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. (Wow…David speaks of a friend who has betrayed him. So many times, it’s not our enemies who cross us, but our closest companions.)
Let death seize my enemies by surprise; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me. God, who is king forever, will hear me and will humble them. For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God. (Wow! Even though David is overwhelmed with fear, he still rises from that place of fear and recommits his trust in the Lord, and places full confidence in God!)
As for this friend of mine, he betrayed me; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as cream, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! (Wow…smooth talking friends can be dangerous!. I guess that’s why God’s Word says, “Man will disappoint you.” Therefore, we must place our trust in God, and not man/woman.)
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Yes, Lord!)
But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me. (Psalm 55)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for revealing that even David struggles with fear, as we do. But his confidence, relentlessly, remains in the Lord! Lord, help us place total confidence in you. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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