Presented June 7, 2009 pm
MY
FAMILIAR FRIEND WHO REPROACHES ME
PSALM 55
Tonight we examine
another psalm of David. Like
previous psalms it was assigned “to the chief musician” and to be sung
“on Neg-i-noht” which was some sort of stringed instrument.
It too is described as “a contemplation of David.”
The time or occasion
of writing this psalm is not told and cannot be dogmatically assigned.
However, it does correlate with David’s latter exile from
Jerusalem when Absalom rebelled against David and caused him to flee (2
Samuel 15-18). Some suggest
that the psalm has reference to Ahithophel who was an advisor to David
(1 Chron. 27:33, 2 Sam. 15:12) but betrayed him to support and advise
Absalom during his rebellion.
Whoever the person was, we read in our psalm that he was a close
friend – which is why David is so hurt by him.
Sadly, betrayal is far too common today.
Americans have come to expect it among our leaders.
We are in a litigious society because of fraud.
The divorce rate is a testament to betrayal of vows.
Children are often abandoned because of selfish desires (both of
parents and friends). As you
read this psalm, you would think it was from an editorial in a major
newspaper today. But
betrayal has ALWAYS been a problem.
Let us notice this psalm.
Also, as we proceed, keep in mind a great example of betrayal
that we find in the New Testament – Judas, as he betrayed our Lord with
a kiss.
In our study this
evening we are going to notice some lessons to be gleaned which are at
the foundation of this psalm, but we are also going to merely mention
other points that have been covered in detail in previous studies of the
psalms.
I.
A Restless Prayer (1-8)
a.
David approaches God
(1-2).
Typical of David, in these verses we find a simple reminder to pray to
God when we are faced with troubles.
Of course, we ought to approach God much more than that, but
certainly that is a start.
James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among
you suffering? Let him pray…”
One observation before we move on: It says that David mourned in his
complaint. The word
complaint here is not the idea of finding fault (especially with God)
but rather this is a troubled soul.
It is as if the psalmist is having difficulty expressing his deep
hurts. For us, we ought to
be thankful that when we go to God in prayer, He hears us as we intend,
cf. Romans 8:26.
b.
Because of his enemies
(3-5).
In these verses we find the depth of David’s hurt.
He is overwhelmed and acts as if he cannot believe what has
happened. He fears for his life.
Have you ever had someone you trusted “rip your heart out” or so greatly
let you down that you are at a loss for words?
You are faced with a circumstance that you with a true friend you
would never have to face? You don’t know what to do about it!
You also find EVIL in the one who has acted unjustly against you, like
the criminal that frames his victim or the traitor who sells out his
country for some worldly gain.
Whenever these things happened in David’s life, it was turned
upside down.
c.
A
desire to fly away like a bird
(6-8)
Do you ever feel like that?
Where you want to just run away from your problems or a particular
circumstance. That is
exactly what David is here describing!
There IS a time to “flee” things – see 2 Tim. 2:22 (youthful
lusts), 1 Cor. 6:18 (fornication), 1 Cor. 10:14 (idolatry), etc.
But when you are faced with troubles, you cannot run away from them -
WHY? Because no matter where you run to, the problem is never resolved.
Many tried to run – Adam &
Eve hid themselves in the garden (Gen. 3:8), Moses tried to back out of
being God’s messenger (Ex. 3 &4, esp. 4:13-14); King Saul tried to blame
others for his faults (1 Sam. 15), and Jonah who tried to run away from
God (Jonah 1:3). HOWEVER, in
each of these examples – they could not run away!
They had to face God, their responsibilities and their fears. AND
THEY DID!
We CANNOT run away from temptations OR troubles OR responsibilities
in our lives. We cannot run
away from our need to do the right thing.
We may want to fly away, but let us learn from David in this
psalm not do that!
We have to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:11-12)
God has very little respect for cowards (Rev. 21:8, Matt. 10:33).
II.
Betrayed by a “friend” (9-15)
a.
A
city in an uproar (9-11),
caused by a betrayer.
The words of these verses DEFINITELY fit the rebellion of Absalom in 2
Samuel 15-18-
i.
In that
account you find a divided nation – between David and Absalom.
ii.
There was
violence in the city including those belonging to David being violated
including his concubines (16:21-23)
iii.
All of
David’s enemies come out of the woodwork, cursing him, etc.
NOTE that many of his enemies would be the evil men who despised
God and His ways. The
righteous flee with David.
WHO is left? How would like
to see a city overrun by the criminals and baser elements.
That was Jerusalem after David fled.
iv.
NOTE Ps.
22:9, “Destroy O Lord and divide
their tongues…”
That was David’s prayer and it is what happened.
In the rebellion, David had loyal supporters who stayed behind
and worked against the advisors of Absalom.
One such advisor was Hushai.
Ahithophel, David’s counselor knew David and was giving advice
that was inflicting maximum harm to David (he suggested violating
David’s concubines and also wanted to pursue David and crush him early
while on the run), but Hushai contradicted Ahithophel and gave advice
which stopped Abaslom from pursuing David.
As a result of this – Ahithophel went home and hanged himself and
not too long thereafter Absalom would be defeated and killed and the
rebellion is crushed. Hushai
also gets word to David so that he can escape and prepare.
The point – God answered David’s prayer providentially!
BRETHREN, when we are faced with the most difficult of troubles –
even betrayal – go to God!!!
Cast your cares upon Him - 1 Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6.
(NOTE: That is how this psalm ends.)
b.
A
close friend (12-14) – the
worst kind of hurt.
Here we find profound words that anyone who has been deeply hurt by
their friends and brethren can relate you.
David could better handle what was happening if it was an enemy or one
who hated his guts. You
expect enemies to act that way.
BUT this was a friend and a counselor.
One you could confide in and sought advice.
I think of the chief of staff of the president who is his “right
hand man”.
This was one who WAS what a true friend is supposed to be!
Prov. 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance
of his friend.”
Prov. 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an
enemy are deceitful.”
Prov. 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for
adversity.”
Prov. 18:24, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there
is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
WORD OF ADVICE: Choose your friends wisely!!!
Find friends that love you for who you are AND want you to do the
right things, cf. 1 Cor. 15:33, Heb. 3:12-14 – a true friend will
exhort, etc.
c.
May their
wickedness be stopped (15)
NOTICE how strong David’s request is against his betrayers.
He wants their evil ways and wickedness stopped.
They have done damage to the cause of good.
David, while not perfect, had directed the people TOWARD God and
righteousness. NOW all that
was in danger.
When a friend has betrayed us for evil we want to stop the damage!
David did this with prayer AND action.
If you read the account in 2 Samuel, you find that things are
being done – some openly and other things behind the scene that will
eventually restore order.
DON’T forget in all of this – David is going to God!
He is NOT acting with evil motives or partaking in the sins of
the ungodly.
III.
A
Prayer for deliverance (16-24)
a.
David will
CONTINUE to pray and put his trust in God (16-19).
During the trying times of life, WHEN our faith is tested, we must NOT
give up on God. If we truly
trust Him we will let Him work in His time and His way (Luke 18:7-8,
James 1:5-8).
In the long run, when we look back, His way was the best for us.
David’s prayers will be many and continue UNTIL this problem is
resolved.
NOTE: We know that David was a man of prayer, like Daniel and Elijah.
He was not a fair-weather OR foul-weather prayer.
He prayed all the time.
That is what gave him the right to turn to God during the
difficult times. Don’t
forget 1 Thess. 5:17, “pray
without ceasing” and Luke 18:1 (pray always).
18-19 - David’s
psalm is written as if the issue has already been resolved.
A part of his faith in prayer.
b.
Praying
for his enemies (20-21).
David here continues to describe the ways of his enemy.
When it is all over, he looks back at his betrayer and the motives and
methods used against him and sees just how serious the manipulation was
– words “smoother than butter” but deceit and malice in his heart like a
sword drawn to destroy.
Why reflect on what happened?
1) To learn from it in dealing with the future; 2) To know the
awesome power and providence of God in answering the prayers of the
righteous.
c.
Cast your
burden on the Lord (22-23).
He will sustain the righteous and destroy the wicked.
Perhaps that is why our Lord tells us to pray for our enemies –
Matthew 5:43-44, Romans 12:14, 17-21 – overcome evil with good.
David concludes this
psalm by saying, “But I will trust you.”
Truly David had confidence in His Lord that no matter what
happens, God is in control and His will shall prevail.
Do we have the confidence of David?
A note on dealing
with the hurting: Put yourselves in the shoes of David for a moment.
Often when people are betrayed by friends and family (whether
physical or spiritual) they act and speak impulsively and strongly as
they try to grasp what is happening and minimize the damage.
They don’t want to be where they are and can’t find clear answers
that will resolve the problems.
No matter what they try, sometimes it just makes matters worse.
But they keep trying and keep moving on.
Before we are too harsh in judging their actions we need to try
and imagine the emotions they are going through, especially if all they
have done is try to be right!