(55:1) This psalm was most likely written during the time of Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's betrayal (2 Samuel 15-17). Some say the words of Psalm 55:12-14 are messianic because they also describe Judas's betrayal of Christ (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25). 

(55:6-8) Running from God - Even those who are especially close to God, as David was, have moments when they want to escape from their relentless problems and pressures. Escape, while an overwhelming urge, cannot be found in running away. For believers, the right kind of escape comes from quieting our hearts and minds in prayer and worship. We lift ourselves spiritually to God, running for his cover. We also find solace by serving people who really need us. 

(55:9-11) Sin in the Church - The city that was supposed to be holy was plagued by internal problems: violence, strife, mischief, sorrow, wickedness, deceit, and guile. External enemies, though a constant threat, were not nearly as dangerous as the corruption inside. Even today, churches often look to defend themselves against attacks and hostility from the sinful world while failing to see that their own sins may be causing their troubles. 

(55:12-14) Real Friends - Nothing hurts more than a wound from a friend. At times friends may need to lovingly confront you in order to help you, but betrayal truly hurts. Betrayal by a friend caused David great anguish. Real friends stick by us in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. What kind of friend are you? Don't betray those you love. 

(55:17) Prayer - Praying morning, noon, and evening is an excellent way to maintain close contact with God and set priorities for the coming day. David followed this pattern, as did Daniel (Daniel 6:10) and Peter (Acts 10:0-10). The prayers of God's people are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world. Find three psalms that express your requests to God, and try praying one each at three different times during the day. 

(55:22) the power of God - God wants us to give our burdens to him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in him. This is like standing up and holding all your luggage during a long plane ride. Trust the same power from God that sustains you each day to also carry your cares and burdens.

Each day, we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter, making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue in the Book of Psalms with Chapter 55. In our text today, we see a theme of David's expression of pain when being hurt and how the words of the Lord bring comfort. In applying, we know that we have a true friend in Jesus. When others let us down, we can go to the Lord in prayer and express our pain, and in return, the Lord will speak to us with His Words, giving us comfort and peace. It is so comforting to know that we can call upon the Lord in our time of need and that He listens, works in our lives, and gives us words of comfort from the Bible. How about you? Are you going through a tough time? Let us learn from our Psalm and Text today to remember that we can talk to the Lord, and He listens, responds, and has words of comfort for us with those who hurt us.