The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 55:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The true and the false way of encountering the difficulties of life.

Sorrow, danger, and terror had come upon the psalmist with the force of a tempest. He thinks of two ways of escape—casting himself upon God and flight. Suggests the true and the false way of encountering the difficulties of life.

I. TAKE THE FALSE FIRST. "Oh that I had wings," etc.! (Psalms 55:6-8). We must conquer difficulties, not fly from them:

1. Because the post of difficulty is often the post of duty. And we find no rest in flight, because we have sought to evade or neglect our duty.

2. The post of difficulty is the post of discipline. Difficulty is one of the Divine instruments of our training; gives health and strength.

3. Solitude brings an exchange of difficulties, and does not free us from the power of the world. It is better to fight the battle of life than for the heart to prey upon itself apart from the fellowship of men and women.

II. THE TRUE WAY OF ENCOUNTERING THE DIFFICULTIES OF LIFE. By seeking the help of God. (Psalms 55:1, Psalms 55:2.)

1. God will help us to a greater faith. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith' faith in Divine help, and faith in the good and righteous cause.

2. God will inspire us with a truer courage. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

3. God will give to those who are faithful all needed strength. Will fulfil the promise, "As thy day'[or, 'need'] is so shall thy strength be."

4. Victory is easier to us than to the psalmist, through Christ. Faith in God through faith in Christ will give every believer the victory.—S.

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