Psalm 55 highlights the betrayal by a most trusted and
intimate friend as the cause of pain. The Psalmist says: “For it was not an
enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that
hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from
him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance”
(55:12-13).
If the reproach had been from his enemy, he would bear
with it as such is expected from an enemy. But that which overwhelmed him, that
broke his heart, was the fact that the reproach came from one who had been his
intimate friend. David says the betrayer was “a man mine equal”. David
was alluding to Ahithophel, his most trusted advisor, who had allied himself
with Absalom to destroy him (2 Samuel 15:31).
David was heartbroken; he was on the run because of
his son Absalom. And his most trusted friend had turn against him and went to
the enemy’s side. Distress and heartbroken, he went to the Lord (55:16). He
called on the Lord to “divide their tongues” (55:9), that is, to
confound their speech as at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). And sure enough, God
overturned the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:5-14).
David had faith that God would deliver him; and He
did. David's faith in God never waver in spite on his seemingly hopeless
circumstances: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he
shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (55:22).
Cast thy burden upon the LORD - Whatever cares,
afflictions, trials, etc., there may be with which we are oppressed, lay them
upon Him - cast it upon God by faith and prayer. Paul exhorts: “Be careful
for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
And he shall sustain thee – Observe how the
Lord deals with our burdens. He does not say, "I will take away thy burden,"
but "I will sustain thee." The word “sustain” literally means
“to keep in, to measure” (Strong’s Definition). Here it means that God would
give such a “measure” of strength and grace or such as would be sufficient to
bear us up under it. He said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for
my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Barnes wrote: “It furnishes, therefore, a very
instructive lesson in regard to prayer, and shows us that we are not to expect
as a matter of course that all our prayers will be literally answered, and that
we should not be disappointed or disheartened if they are not. It is a matter
of fact that not all the prayers even of the pious, and of those who pray
having faith in God as a hearer of prayer, are literally answered.”
(Barnes’ Notes, e-sword).
He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved
- The meaning here cannot be that the righteous shall never be “moved” in the
sense that their circumstances will not be changed; or that they will never be
disappointed; but that whatever trials may come upon them, they will be
“ultimately” safe. Remember the story of Joseph and of Daniel. God did not stop
the wicked plans of their enemies, but He caused all their devices to work for
good to those who kept their faith and loyalty amid trial and conflict.
Friends may forsake, but God is faithful. God will
never turn against His faithful people. Can't take it anymore? Then take it to
the Lord! “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1
Peter 5:7). God will sustain you.
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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