For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 55. For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me. My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah. “I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.” Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets. For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him. But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company. Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is amongst them, in their dwelling. As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me. Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me. God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God. He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

Worship Lyrics

For the Chief Musician
On stringed instruments
A contemplation by David
Listen to my prayer, God
Dont hide yourself from my supplication
Attend to me, and answer me
I am restless in my complaint, and moan
Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked
For they bring suffering on me
In anger they hold a grudge against me
My heart is severely pained within me
The terrors of death have fallen on me
Fearfulness and trembling have come on me
Horror has overwhelmed me
I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove
Then I would fly away, and be at rest
Behold, then I would wander far off
I would lodge in the wilderness
Selah
I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm
Confuse them, Lord
And confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city
Day and night they prowl around on its walls
Malice and abuse are also within her
Destructive forces are within her
Threats and lies dont depart from her streets
For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it
Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me
Then I would have hidden myself from him
But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend
We took sweet fellowship together
We walked in Gods house with company
Let death come suddenly on them
Let them go down alive into Sheol
For wickedness is amongst them, in their dwelling
As for me, I will call on God
The LORD will save me
Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress
He will hear my voice
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me
Although there are many who oppose me
God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them
Selah
They never change and dont fear God
He raises his hands against his friends
He has violated his covenant
His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war
His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords
Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you
He will never allow the righteous to be moved
But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days
But I will trust in you

About This Psalm

Psalm 55 is a deliverance psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: deliverance, trust, righteousness, kingship

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 55 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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