Psalm 55

In Psalm 55 King David was distressed because of the betrayal of a trusted friend. The fallout from the deceit within the inner courts of the King had spread throughout Jerusalem. This personal lament of David challenges us because the norms of our Western culture teach us to conceal our deepest thoughts and emotions. If our national leaders chose to bear their souls with such a lament, their fall from power would be spectacular. Even so, we can learn much from David.

In counseling sessions, the therapist helps their client dig deep into the recesses of their memories and process buried emotions. The process can be painful, especially if the memories have been long repressed; however, there is healing for damaged emotions when the memories are opened to the light of God’s unconditional and redeeming love.

When Jesus said that “unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3) he may have been thinking of King David. David models complete honesty with himself as he takes his lament to God. David confesses his strong feelings of both fight and flight in response to the betrayal of his friend, and he also bears his deep emotional hurt to God.

Perhaps one of the best lessons we can take from David’s psalms is to own our need to explore our deepest emotions. Take a leap of faith, heed David’s affirmation and trust God with your fears, hates and anxieties; “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you” (v.22a).

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

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How does this passage touch your life today?

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Reading for June 26, 2012         Psalm 56