Psalms 39-41, 53, 55, 58
Psalm 55:2-5, "My thoughts trouble me, and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me ... Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me."
Psalm 55:16-18, "As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me."
Picture a movie where a helpless person is frozen in fear, unable to utter a word as they watch a threat grow closer and closer. Overwhelmed by horror, they can't seem to move. But, just in time, a hero rushes in and whisks the victim away to safety.
In Psalm 55, it doesn't seem as if David is experiencing a physical threat that so overwhelms him. Instead, it is words, threats, and anger that cause his suffering. Someone that David had previously enjoyed sweet fellowship with is now speaking with such venom that it invokes terror within him. In response, he cries out to God.
We may find it easy to cry out to God when a physical threat is looming large, and we are right to do so - God can work miracles! But when our hearts are anguished because we are accused or misunderstood, when negative words fly against us, how do we respond? Do we see that situation as something God can handle, or do we simply lay awake at night in restless frustration, feeling trapped with no escape?
Whatever the battle, no matter what enemy stands before us, we can cry out to God. He is the ultimate superhero, willing and able to swoop in and save us. He desires to rescue His children; He loves taking us from a place of terror to a place of triumph.
Do you need to cry out to God? Don't let any enemy come between you and the strength and power that's yours in Christ!
Lord, You know what keeps me up at night and the words that roll around in my head, threatening to defeat me. Let no enemy have victory over me. I am YOURS, and I trust that YOU will lead me to a place of triumph for Your glory and my good. Amen.