When You Feel Like Running Away

Text: Psalm 55

Introduction: All of us have had seasons when we longed to escape from the pressures in our ministry. We are in good company. Jeremiah wrote, “Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place for travelers; that I might leave my people, and go from them!” (Jer. 9:2). Elijah not only considered running away—he did. Jezebel’s death threat was enough to convince the prophet that it was time to lace up his running shoes and get out of town (1 Kings 19:1-4). And then there is the author of Psalm 55, who wished for dove’s wings so that he could fly away and be at rest (v.7). If the superscription is accurate, this is a psalm of David. In this sermon, we explore the three stages David went through when he felt like running away.

1.    The recital of burdens (55:2-5). As this psalm opens, we are immediately taken by the vocabulary. Words like restless, moaning, trouble, and pain point to a chapter in David’s life when he was emotionally overwhelmed. Many difficult times in the king’s life would qualify for this language, but historical clues point to the following:

• The betrayal of a friend: “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng” (55:12-14). Who was David’s companion? His name was Ahithophel. The betrayal was painful because this man switched allegiance from David to Absalom. He was part of the takeover by David’s son.
• The rebellion of a son: “In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Sam. 15:6). 

For those of us in ministry, twin disappointments like these can drive us to despair. Perhaps the relationship you once had with a board member, who was a great supporter and encourager in the early days of your pastorate, has now gone sour. Communication is limited and strained. On top of this, there’s trouble in the parsonage. Your son, whose spiritual life seemed so promising, is running with the wrong crowd, and his interest in spiritual matters is waning. Your heart, like David’s, is greatly burdened.

2.    The response to burdens (55:6-15)

• Escapism (vv.6-8). Some common escapes in our 21^st-century culture include drugs, alcohol, pornography, and gluttony. When my first wife died, I felt that my escape was to become a workaholic. I thought that if I worked from morning until night I would be so wrapped up in my ministry, I could forget my loneliness. It didn’t work.
• Bitterness (vv.9-15). David was very bitter over a son who had rebelled against him and a friend who had betrayed him. This passage records some of the strongest language the king ever used. It compels us to do an attitude check. Has disappointment pushed us over the edge? Is there another way to deal with friends who turn against us and with children who wound us deeply? Thankfully, David found a better way.

3.    The remedy for burdens (55:16-17,22). David finally rolled his heavy burden onto the strong shoulders of the Lord. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (55:22). As we look carefully at this verse, we discover two things: There is something God wants us to do and something wonderful He promises to do for us.

a.    What we do: We cast our cares on Him. What does it mean to “cast your burden”? The concordance lists many Hebrew words that are translated cast. The word in Psalm 55:22 is the word shalak. Strong’s Concordance has an interesting note on shalak. The noun form of this word can refer to a pelican because of the way the bird casts into the sea to capture its prey. The pelican glides gracefully over the water and then dives into the water with abandonment and purpose. What a great picture of the way God wants us to approach Him in prayer! In the New Testament, Peter echoes the thought of the psalmist: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). May we accept God’s invitation and no longer carry our heavy burdens.

b.    What God does: He sustains us. The word for sustain is used two additional times in the Old Testament.
 

•  Elijah in the wilderness: “The word of the Lord came to [Elijah], saying, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for [sustain] you” (1 Kings17:8-9). This widow did not have a full pantry and ample supplies. In fact, she was so poverty-stricken that she was preparing a last meal for herself and her son. What does this mean for us? God is in the sustaining business. Oftentimes, we receive a miraculous provision so that we know it was from God!
• The children of Israel in the wilderness: “Forty years You sustained [your people] in the wilderness; they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell” (Neh. 9:21). For 40 years, about 11 cups (1 omer) of manna were provided every day for each person on the wilderness journey. John 6:32-33 assures us that this 40-year bread delivery was from God’s heavenly bakery!

Conclusion: I don’t know the burdens you’re carrying today. Perhaps it’s disappointment with one of your children or missing a friend who has moved on to another relationship. Maybe it’s bills piling up and an empty checking account. God invites you to wrap your arms of faith around Psalm 55:22. He is the sustainer!