Finding Solace: Understanding the Power of Prayer in Psalm 55

The book of Psalms is a collection of sacred poems and prayers that have been used by worshippers for centuries. Psalm 55, though, stands out as a powerful testimony to the solace that can be found through prayer. As David cries out to God in anguish over his enemies, we see how prayer can provide both comfort and strength during life’s trials.

Verse: “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.” – Psalm 55:17 (ESV)

Understanding the Context

Psalm 55 is often referred to as a lament psalm. In it, David expresses deep sorrow over what appears to be betrayal by a close friend or confidante. His heart is troubled, his emotions run high, and he feels like he cannot go on without relief.

This psalm paints an incredibly vivid picture of what it feels like when someone we trust lets us down. In verses four through eight, David graphically depicts the pain caused by this betrayal: “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me…I am restless in my complaint and I moan…my heart is in anguish within me.”

Despite his distressing circumstances, however, David does not give up hope. Instead he turns to God for help:

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Blessed be God because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His faithful love from me!” – Psalm 66:20 (CSB)

The Power of Prayer

As David pours out his grief before God (vss.9-15), we see that through this process he finds solace – a glimmer of light amidst dark times.

David begins by recognizing who God truly is: a God who not only hears but also answers prayer. In verse 16, he writes that he would “call on God and the Lord will save me” – David understands that his pain can only be resolved by seeking comfort from the One who made him.

But as David prays, his focus begins to shift. Rather than simply asking for relief from his troubles, he spends time reflecting on the nature of God:

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O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of earth may strike terror no more.” – Psalm 10:17-18 (ESV)

Despite having been betrayed by a friend, David chooses to trust in God’s goodness and love. In verses 22-23 he writes:

“Cast your burden on the LORD​,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.”

David knows that even though He cannot control what others do or say about Him but He can control how He responds – By going back into His prayer closet and seeking solace in His Creator.

The End Result

As Psalm 55 comes to an end (vss.20-23), we see David’s renewed confidence in both himself and in God. Stronger emotionally because of His prayer time with God…

“And my righteous ones shall live by faith;
But if one turns back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Ultimately this psalm reminds us that when we face trials or betrayal (no matter how big our situation is) we must find solace through prayer – knowing full well that our Creator loves us enough to intervene.
So lets follow David’s example today;

“

When I am afraid,
I put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” – Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV)

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David prayed not just once, but “evening and morning and at noon.” We will all face seasons that call for the same pattern of prayer and it is in that consistent communication with God we truly learn to fully rely on Him.