March 16, 2015 – Monday

Start Time: 5:52 AM

End Time:   6:32 AM

Title: For the Director of Music. With Stringed Instruments.  A Maskil of David.    

Scripture: Psalm 55:1 – 23

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ This chapter shows David as human as we are.  Like anyone of us who at times felt that God is far away or silent, David felt it too.  Not only that, David also was consumed by what his enemies were saying so in short, I can say that David was also worrying for what he heard or the negative things he heard coming from his enemies.  In verse 4, David described his state at that time.  His heart was in anguish and terrors of death have fallen on him.  Clearly, he was not at ease but was concerned.  He said that fear and trembling beset him, and horrors have overwhelmed him.  And just like any other man consumed by his troubles, David also desire to run away.  Wait a minute, we are talking about David right?  The man who killed thousands of men and conquered multiple cities for the Lord?  The king who took a bear and a lion by his own hands?  Is this the same man at all?  David may be brave and courageous to face battles but how come rumors are eating him up?  A mere negative or spoken word brought fear and trembling upon him.  Doesn't this sound familiar?  I mean, we can check our lives and we know that we've conquered a lot of mountains of troubles in our lives but sometimes, a negative word spoken towards us or gossip or rumors about us, are still eating us alive.  So I say that what David is feeling at that moment was a teachable moment for us today. 

Despite of David's concerns, as human as he is like us, he was able to fully trust and lay his concerns to God.  in verse 9, David spoke to God and pleaded that He, the Lord, confuse the wicked and confound their words.  David pointed out that if an enemy is insulting him he can endure it, if a foe rise up against him, he could hide from him.  But David made an amazing point in the next verses.  In verse 13, David clearly laid out his concern.  He was not troubled by the rumors of his enemies rising up against him because he knew God will protect him from them.  What concerned David the most is that he was betrayed by someone he trusts.  In verse 13, he said "But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God as we walked about among the worshippers."  So in reality, what hurt so much is the fact that these rumors or gossips came from someone David did not think would betray him for this person worships God with him in the temple.  So like any humans, David was also experienced being betrayed.  Clearly, David was teaching us that one of the most hurtful or painful experience you'll have is to be betrayed by someone you trust.  This also gives us a warning to be cautious at all times, because our enemies are all around us even at the people who we trust the most.  So be careful and always be on guard.

So what did David do?  In verse 16, we see David's solution to this.  He called upon God the only person he could ever trust and the Lord saved him.  David said evening, morning and noon, he cried out in distress and the Lord hears.  Now, that's assuring!  Because we can be sure that God will hear us when we call upon Him - David testified to it!  The Lord rescues us and not just rescue us but He rescue us UNHARMED!  Hallelujah!   God who does not change will hear and humble our enemies down! 

In verse 20, David illustrated his friend who attacks another friend and violates his covenant.  So this person attacks and breaks his promises; he also talks smoothly - according to David as smooth as a butter but his heart was set to war; his words are soothing than oil yet they can kill.  So this person is really a good talker but his heart reveals differently.

So in verse 22, David advises to cast our cares on the Lord for He will sustain us and He will never let the righteous be shaken.  Amen!  Glory to God!  But He, the Lord, will bring down the wicked and they will not live out half of their days.  So what to do?  ONLY TRUST IN GOD!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me the life of David who, just like anyone of us, also encountered common issues like betrayal.  Thank You because through David's life, You assured me that You will hear my cry and save me from troubles.  Thank You Lord because You have identified these persons who are to betray us.  They are good with words but their hearts reveal evil.  Help me Lord to spot these people in my life and help me not to be like them.  Give me the wisdom to deal with them and work on myself not to be like them too.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and grace daily.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!