The bold print in a local news story caught my eye: “Increase in suicide rates in Singapore, male suicides double that of female.” The report goes on to say, “According to some psychiatrists, the higher number of suicides among men is not an unusual trend. . . . When it comes to dealing with their problems, men don’t tend to seek help, thus pushing themselves into a deeper depressive spiral.”
David was once under tremendous pressure as he endured the relentless attacks of his enemies (Psalm 55:3-5, 9-11). But it wasn’t a nameless enemy who dealt him a critical, damaging attack. It was the betrayal of one whom he described as “my equal, my companion and close friend” (Psalm 55:12-14). The pain sharpened and overwhelmed him as he experienced the full brunt of the treachery (Psalm 55:20-21, 41:9).
David sought release from his terrible plight. His gut response was to escape. He wanted to run away! “How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred” (Psalm 55:6-8). One wonders if David contemplated the ultimate means of escape—suicide.
Thankfully, David chose a different way, for suicide is a permanent solution to what is often a temporary problem. He sought help from God, crying out, “Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help . . . for I am overwhelmed by my troubles!” (Psalm 55:1-2).
Are you oppressed and depressed by life’s pressures and pains? Do you wish that you had wings to fly to a place of quiet refuge and rest? (Psalm 55:6-7). It’s time to pray and to fly into the loving arms of God, who rescues you and keeps you safe (Psalm 55:16-18). Listen to David’s advice: “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (Psalm 55:22).
Escape into God’s loving arms.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 2:13-23
More:
Read about David’s betrayal by his son and his close friend (2 Samuel 15:1-12, 16:15-23). How does this background help you understand the tremendous pressure and pain he faced?
Next:
What pressures or pains of life are you going through? How do the truths found in Psalm 55 help you cope with them?
winn collier on June 13, 2011 at 4:47 pm
thank you for this invitation, K.T. This kind of escape is an offer of grace.
marvin williams on June 14, 2011 at 1:53 pm
K.T., thanks for the reminder. We never solve anything by running away from our problems. However, when we escape into the loving arms of our heavenly Father, we are running to someone who will solve our problems or give us strength in the midst of our problems. Thanks for reminding us to “escape to” instead of “escaping from.”