April 6, 2021 – Psalms 53-57

In his anguish and fear and trembling, David declared, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest” (55:6-8). Do you remember the “Wanna Get Away” ads from Southwest Airlines with which they promoted their lowest fares? They were funny, and we got their point because we have had those moments ourselves, being embarrassed and just wanting to hide.

For David, the problem is not mere embarrassment but treachery from a dear friend with whom he had enjoyed sweet fellowship in the house of God. We sometimes hear this complaint in the church, that “I have been hurt by so-and-so.” What was David’s solution? And what must be our solution when those close to us hurt or disappoint us? David acknowledged his hurt, but he neither pouted nor nursed his hurt. In his words, “I call to God, and the Lord will save me. . . . Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (55:16,22). Peter wrote to those who were being persecuted. The hope he offered was found in the Shepherd who himself had suffered and to whom the righteous could turn, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there. –Joseph Scriven