Psalm 55 Reasons for Lament

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction (Ps 55:0)
2. God feels far away (Ps 55:1-2)
3. Reasons for David’s suffering (Ps 55:3-5, 9-14, 20-21)
   1. First: Wicked bring Trouble and harbor a grudge (Ps 55:3, Gen 27:41, 50:4)
   2. Second: Fear of death (Ps 55:4-5, 2Sam 15)
   3. Third: Violent city full of oppression and fraud (Ps 55:9b-11)
   4. Fourth: Betrayed by a friend (Ps 55:12-14, 20-21)
   5. Not exhaustive: Could add health troubles…
   6. All of this suffering takes its toll on our life and our emotions
4. Our initial Response to Suffering: Fleeing (Ps 55:6-8)
   1. Doves (Song 2:14, Mt 10:16)
   2. So if running and fleeing doesn’t solve the problem of suffering, what is one to do?
5. Prayer for Vindication (Ps 55:9, 15-19, 23)
   1. First, prays for Divine judgment. (Ps 55:9, Num 16:31-32)
   2. Second, he prays for the confusion of his enemies’ plans. (Ps 55:9)
   3. Third, he prays for the death of his enemies. (Ps 55:15)
   4. Fourth, he declares that God will execute judgment and justice (Ps 55:23)
   5. Fifth, Assured of God’s saving character (Ps 55:16-19)
6. Wisdom to remember in Times of trouble (Ps 55:22, 23b)
7.  Conclusion
   1. Does this really work in our world?
   2. Consider Jesus and Judas (Mt 26:14-50, Rev 22:15, Ps 55:22)