October 2
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TRUSTING IN GOD IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE
As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,
And He will hear my voice.
18 He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,
For they are many who strive with me.19 God will hear and answer them—
Even the one who sits enthroned from of old.
With whom there is no change, and who do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
He has violated his covenant.21 His speech was smoother than butter,
But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
23 But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction;
Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in You. – Psalm 55:16-23
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In this psalm, David continues to pray to God’s protection. His enemy mentioned here in verse 21 refers to someone who was very close to him and has betrayed him. The beginning of this part of psalm 55 depicts David’s closeness with God in verse 16. He calls upon God because he knows for sure that God will save him. In verse 22, he declares God’s provision and protection to all who bring their cares and burden to the Lord.
Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who you have deep intimacy with? They know you deeply inside and out. This is how David’s relationship with God is. He knew his Lord since he was a young shepherd tending to his sheep. He played flute and sang for the Lord. He is called the man who seeks God’s own heart. He was obsessed with serving and loving God. He knows his Lord very well and runs to Him often.
Despite the many enemies surrounding David, God was faithful to protect him and David never stopped to depend on Him. In verse 23, we hear David’s confidence in God because he knows God won’t tolerate evil. He is so sure that God will bring them down to the pit of destruction. We see how much David trusts his Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so easy to blame God or others when we are in trouble? How can we develop a dependence and trust in the Lord as David exhibits in this psalm?