Notes for Teacher/Facilitator
Psalm 55 is a personal lament that is attributed to David. All we know from the passage itself is that the psalmist was living in a city that he perceived as being overrun by evil and that someone close to him had turned on him in the worst way. Interspersed throughout the psalm, especially in the final third, are faithful responses to personal frustration, and they all have one thing in common: turning to God. The psalmist has two options in this passage: 1) turn toward the city and his friend, both of whom are corrupted by wrong doing and injustice; or 2) turn toward God, whom he trusts. Many attempts have been made to place this psalm somewhere in the life of David but no broad consensus has been found. In my estimation, if this psalm is written by David, then it may be likely that the betrayal of his sons may be originating narrative. Whatever the case, this psalm teaches us that when evil is frustrating us wherever we turn, we can always trust God and turn toward him instead.
Word Studies
Here are a few notes about particular words in this psalm:
- Wicked (rasha) – vv.3, 9, 23: This word only actually appears in v.3; it is assumed in vv.9 and 23. “Wicked” carries with it the idea of one who is guilty and deserving of punishment. The psalmist is trying to communicate that the enemies who are frustrating him are absolutely in the wrong.
- Is in anguish (chuwl) – v.4: This is a verb that means, in this context, something like “to writhe in pain.” It is often used of the agony of childbirth. Thus, the pain that the psalmist feels due to his frustrations is severe and extreme.
- Companion (alluwph) – vv.13: This word means something like “a very close friend.” Thus the betrayal from this friend is even more hurtful due to their former tight bond.
- Enjoyed sweet fellowship (mathoq + sod) – v.14: The verb mathoq means to “enjoy sweetness or become sweet” and is here used metaphorically to mean “pleasant.” The object sod means “council” or “intimate fellowship as among family members.” It was the pleasantness of the past fellowship that made the present attack of this person so injurious to the psalmist.
- This word means to place faith in someone or something, even if the results are not easily foreseen. In this case God is the object of the faith. In the face of oppression, injustice, and frustration, the psalmist reveals the only response left to him: that of trust.
Introduction
- Open your class/community time with prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal himself to all of you through the Scriptures and through your discussion together.
- Discuss last week’s challenge and encourage people to share how the challenge went for them.
- When we face frustration because of evil, either in society at large or within our personal circles of influence, we are often tempted to turn anywhere for help and solace other than God. What are some of those places/things/people? What about each one makes it tempting to turn toward instead of God?
Bible Questions
- In verses 1-3 the psalmist begs God to hear his concerns and frustrations and to answer them. Are we likely to turn to God when we face difficult times? Or are we more likely to turn to other things and/or people? What other things and/or people are you most likely to turn to other than God?
- It’s said that when we face scary situations we either fight, flee, or freeze. The psalmist reveals his temptation to flee in verses 4-8. What about you? When you face fear head on, are you more likely to fight, flee, or freeze? How has your natural response worked out for you in the past? What might you do differently in the future?
- The psalmist has some harsh words for his enemies (verses 9-15, 20-21, and 23). How does it make you feel to know that the psalmist prayed these sorts of harsh things about his enemies? What does this reality teach us about prayer?
- The answer to frustration and fear is found in verses 16, 22, and the end of 23. In each case it is God to whom we should turn, trusting that he saves and sustains? However, turning toward God in this way is hard for us to do. Why do you think this is?
- Psalm 55 is a reminder that God is in control. During the current turbulent season in the US, does this give you reason for hope?
Discussion Questions
- Has God been close to you when you have experienced hardship and frustration? Share that with the group! Does remembering God’s goodness in the past help us worship him better in the present, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- How can we help one another when we are deeply frustrated?
- Imagine how someone far from the Lord would view how you deal with frustration. Does thinking about it this way offer you insight on how better to cope with anger and stress?
Takeaway
When (not if) frustration because of evil comes, turn to God; he’s the only one whom we can fully trust!
Challenge
Take a real look at your neighborhood. Perhaps it would be wise to go on a walk. Open your eyes and ears. What do you see and hear? It’s possible that even in that small amount of time you’ll have seen something that frustrated you, maybe even something you would call evil, whether big or small. Either in the moment or when you return home, turn toward God in prayer. Tell him how you’re feeling. Pray what is on your heart, whatever it might be. And then tell God that you trust him, no matter what. And ask him to use you to be part of the solution to whatever is frustrating you!