Psalm 55 is another of the “Maschil Psalms”. Or what
is also called here a “Contemplation of David. There seems little doubt that
David wrote this psalm when Absalom's rebellion was coming to a head in
Jerusalem. As a Maschil Psalm, it was written for instruction. It was as much a
sermon as a song. One of my favorite verses in the entire book of Psalms is
found in this chapter in verse 22: “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He
shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

This is another one of the Psalms that David wrote
when he was fleeing for his life because his son Absalom had stolen the hearts
of the people and turned them against his father. You can read the history and
circumstances of this Psalm in 2 Samuel 15-16.

It's likely that this psalm was written early in
Absalom's rebellion, when David was still in Jerusalem (vv. 9-11), and the
revolt was gathering momentum. If so, then the "friend" of verses
12-14 and 20-21 had to be David's counselor Ahithophel who had sided with
Absalom. If this psalm was David's prayer while still in
Jerusalem, then his prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31 is simply a repetition of verse 9.
Psalm 55 reveals four possible approaches to handling the painful problems and
battles of life. 

In verses 1-5, David’s first response to this
overwhelming problem is the same that we often have. He looked within at his
own feelings. David opened with a plea that he often made to the Lord, that He
would not hide His face from his supplications. "Don't ignore my prayer!"
(See Psalms 10:1; 13:1; 27:9; 44:24; 69:17; 143:7.) David knew that his own
negligence as a father had turned Absalom against his father, the Lord, and the
nation. He also knew that the revolt was part of the discipline that Nathan the
prophet promised because of David's adultery and the murder of Uriah (2 Sam.
12:9-12).  

What David heard and saw in the city distressed him
greatly (vv. 2, 17), and he realized that his own life was in danger. The
opposition was bringing trouble upon him the way soldiers fling stones at the
enemy or roll down rocks upon them (v. 3). But David's concern was for the
safety of his people and the future of the Lord's promises to his own dynasty
(2 Sam. 7). He felt like everything was falling apart and there was no hope.
It's natural to look at our feelings and express our fears, but that isn't the
way to solve the problems. 

Next in verses 6-8, David begins to look beyond for a safe refuge. When we find ourselves in the
midst of trouble, our first thought is, "How can I get out of this?"
But the dedicated believer needs to ask, "What can I get out of
this?" David had learned some strategic lessons while hiding in the
wilderness from Saul, but in his later years, he had some more important
lessons to learn. The human heart longs for a safe and peaceful refuge, far
from the problems and burdens of life.

Doves can fly long distances and they seek for safe
refuges in the high rocks (Jer. 48:28). But we don't need wings like a dove so
we can fly away from the storm. We need wings like an eagle so we can fly above
the storm (Isa. 40:30-31). More than once, David had prayed that the Lord would
"hide him," and He answered his prayers (Psalms 17:8; 27:5; 64:2).
David did flee Jerusalem (2 Sam. 15:14-37) and lodged in the wilderness across
the Jordan River at Mahanaim. 

If we have been tempted to give up, to run away from
our problems, then this is the Psalm for us. Most of us have been where David
was in this Psalm, hard pressed by circumstances that are partly our own fault,
but which have passed beyond our control. The only thing to do is to fling
ourselves into the arms of God, as David did at the close of this Psalm. “Cast
your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you…” (v. 22). 

God bless!