A Desire To Escape

Psalm 55:1-8

Psalm 55:1–8 NKJV

Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”

Sometimes we just want to escape.

This is not always a sign of weakness.

Sometimes we might desire to simply “fly away” from our responsibilities - whether in local congregation, family, career, or school.

Even Jesus had these temptations!

The world will offer us these opportunities from time to time. What will we do with those opportunities?

The child that begins to run away from home.

David is up against a treacherous enemy in Psalm 55. (v.1-5)

He begs for recognition from God for his troubles.

The reason is the resistance he is facing from his enemies.

It is in this context that David wishes for himself that he had a way of escape.

The rest of the Psalm highlights the nature of this enemy: it is not an outwardly hostile enemy, but one that was someone close and trusted.

It also highlights the response of David toward that enemy: NOT personal vengeance, but David calls upon the LORD to punish this enemy (9,16,22-23).

Our weakness can be solved with God's strength in our lives. Rom. 12:19

In the same way, WE need to make sure that we are not trying to take vengeance on others ourselves; we must let God fight our battles for us.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

It is never for us to mete out justice on ANYONE; physical, OR verbal abuse.

This takes us out of the way; because it's not really about us!

David might have wanted to escape, but didn't.

“Wings like a Dove” (v.6-8)

Notice, David takes an almost abrupt departure here in a wistful longing to escape his troubles.

“I would fly away, and be at rest” - the promise we often have from “escaping” our responsibilities!

He would “remain in the wilderness” - supposedly far away from his troubles.

Consider the placement of “Selah” - Hebrew word typically signifying a break in the singing and a reflective pause.

This placement might mean that David wants us to give thought to how pleasant escape can sound.

From what was David desiring escape? 2 Samuel 18:5,29-33

Kingship (1-5)? It is a huge task to rule an entire nation.

Ingratitude from the People (12-14)? David had fought hard, and for many years to achieve the unity of his people into a nation. Now, in the latter part of his life, the people are rebelling against him. This in itself would feel like a betrayal.

A rebellious son (2 Samuel 18:5,29-33)? Absalom was at the heart of this rebellion.

His persecution at the hands of Saul?

Whatever time in David’s life this was written in, the message rings clear. Even though David might have desired escape, he didn't take that road.

What we can learn from David. Eph. 6:10-14; 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Cor. 15:33; Gal. 6:7; Eph. 6:1

He met his responsibilities like a man – just like we must do. We are not talking just about being a good family member – we must be a faithful Christian! The only way to do so is to wear the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-14

Learning from error: Christians must show gratitude in every walk of their life (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). If someone among us is doing a good job, be sure to thank them!

He suffered much from Absalom, but David never hated him. Young people need to think of their parents when tempted (1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 6:1).

As a parent, David could have done better. Discipline was lacking in Absalom's upbringing, just as it is lacking in many homes today.

Our children need to see us seeking the Kingdom, and His righteousness “first” - above and beyond all (Matthew 6:33)!

Do the children hear the parents arguing with each other? Don't be surprised when they begin to copy that.

Many children have experienced the devastating effects of one or both parents “escaping” (QUITTING) – separation, divorce are commonplace, as is falling away from the LORD. The consequences go on – EVEN if we do everything we can to make it right!

Our answer is NEVER to fly away. If it is, we are shirking the obligations that God has given us. WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE!

God offers us a TRUE escape. John 8:30-36

The sinful world locks us in chains as quick as it can.

We might think of sin as an “escape” - but we are in shackles!

For example, the adulterer, while living a “free” life, is actually bound in sin.

God offers a way out – but ONLY if we take it!

The way he gives this freedom is TRUTH.

If we love and seek Truth, God will bless us greatly!

If the Son makes us free, NOTHING can enslave us again, except ourselves!

True freedom is better than anything we can imagine.

TRUE freedom is found in not only LISTENING to God, and not even just BELIEVING. True freedom is found in ABIDING (LIVING) within the words of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 6:2,9; Philippians 4:13