Psalm 55

Psalm 55

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1 Listen to my prayer, O God.
Do not ignore my cry for help!2 Please listen and answer me,
for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.3 My enemies shout at me,
making loud and wicked threats.
They bring trouble on me
and angrily hunt me down.4 My heart pounds in my chest.
The terror of death assaults me.5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
and I can’t stop shaking.6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
then I would fly away and rest!7 I would fly far away
to the quiet of the wilderness.
Interlude8 How quickly I would escape—
far from this wild storm of hatred.9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,
for I see violence and conflict in the city.10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,
but the real danger is wickedness within the city.11 Everything is falling apart;
threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.12 It is not an enemy who taunts me—
I could bear that.
It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—
I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you—my equal,
my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed
as we walked together to the house of God.15 Let death stalk my enemies;
let the gravet swallow them alive,
for evil makes its home within them.16 But I will call on God,
and the LORD will rescue me.17 Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the LORD hears my voice.18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe
from the battle waged against me,
though many still oppose me.19 God, who has ruled forever,
will hear me and humble them.
Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways;
they do not fear God.20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;
he broke his promises.21 His words are as smooth as butter,
but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
but underneath are daggers!22 Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.23 But you, O God, will send the wicked
down to the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will die young,
but I am trusting you to save me.

PSALMS 55

Betrayed by a Friend

1 Listen, God, to my prayer!
Don't reject my request.

2 Please listen and help me.
My thoughts are troubled,
and I keep groaning

3 because my enemies attack
with loud shouts.
They treat me terribly
and hold angry grudges.

4 My heart is racing fast,
and I am afraid of dying.

5 I am trembling with fear,
completely terrified.

6 I wish I had wings
like a dove,
so I could fly far away
and be at peace.

7 I would go and live
in some distant desert.

8 I would quickly find shelter
from howling winds
and raging storms.

9 Confuse my enemies, Lord!
Upset their plans.
Cruelty and violence
are all I see in the city,

10 and they are like guards
on patrol day and night.
The city is full of trouble,
evil,

11 and corruption.
Troublemakers and liars
freely roam the streets.

12 My enemies are not the ones
who sneer and make fun.
I could put up with that
or even hide from them.

13 But it was my closest friend,
the one I trusted most.

14 We enjoyed being together,
when we went with others
to your house, our God.

15 All who hate me are controlled
by the power of evil.
Sentence them to death
and send them down alive
to the world of the dead.

16 I ask for your help, [Lord] God,
and you will keep me safe.

17 Morning, noon, and night
you hear my concerns
and my complaints.

18 I am attacked from all sides,
but you will rescue me
unharmed by the battle.

19 You have always ruled,
and you will hear me.
You will defeat my enemies
because they won't turn
and worship you.

20 My friend turned against me
and broke his promise.

21 His words were smoother
than butter, and softer
than olive oil.
But hatred filled his heart,
and he was ready to attack
with a sword.

22 Our [Lord], we belong to you.
We tell you what worries us,
and you won't let us fall.

23 But what about those people
who are cruel and brutal?
You will throw them down
into the deepest pit
long before their time.
I trust you, [Lord]!