In Psalm 55, we discover one of the many ways Scripture speaks powerfully to our modern experience. Like us, David is burdened by fear and anxiety. His “heart” is “in anguish” and he is overcome with “fear and trembling” (v. 4-5). He wants to flee to safety (v. 6-8), but as he trusts in the Lord he finds hope and strength in the midst of the fearful trial. He exhorts us: when fear makes you want to flee, flee to God.

Multiple situations are causing David’s fear. He may be reflecting on the rebellion of Absalom (David’s own son) and betrayal of Ahithophel (David’s close advisor) in 2 Sam 15-17. He hears enemies outside the city who are out to get him (v. 3). Inside the city he witnesses violence, strife, iniquity, trouble, ruin, oppression, and fraud (v. 9-11). A close spiritual friend has now betrayed him (v. 12-15) and even manipulated him with “smooth words” and while breaking their covenant (v. 20-21).

The psalm foreshadows our Lord Jesus who was betrayed with a kiss by his friend, and had our violence and iniquity laid on him on the cross. David wonders is there anyone he can trust?

Fear and anxiety force David (and us) to grapple with the times when our greatest need is out of our control. Instead, we must rely on God’s sovereign rule as the one “enthroned from of old” (v. 19) and who sent his Son to be crucified according to his definite plan (Acts 2:23). Fear and anxiety also make us face our limits, but God promises to sustain us as we seek to do his will (v. 22; Heb 13:20-21). While life often teaches us that the people can’t be trusted—God is the righteous judge who will do right in the end (v. 23). Therefore, David says, “I myself, I will trust in the Lord” (v. 23).

What situations in your life may be causing fear and anxiety because you are trying to control them? How does trusting the Lord’s rule, relying on his sustaining power, and hoping in his justice help?