Stress and anxiety can take a toll on one’s body. According to WebMD, emotional stress can cause dizziness, a fast heartbeat, the inability to concentrate, headaches, muscle tension, and even short-term memory loss. If not handled well, high emotional stress can have a lasting negative impact.
David was in a state of extreme stress. He had experienced danger and persecution (v. 3). His enemies prowled the streets looking for an opportunity to attack him (vv. 9–11). Most poignantly, one of his enemies had been at one time a close friend. He laments, “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God” (vv. 13–14). This situation has taken a physical toll on David. “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me” (vv. 4–5).
David’s first impulse was to run. “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (v. 6). Perhaps you have been in a situation where your greatest desire was to flee. David’s heart expressed not the courage of the man who had faced down giants but the timidity of a bird. His second impulse was to turn his anxiety over to God. Although David’s circumstances looked grim, God has not changed (v. 19). He assured himself that God heard his cry for help (v. 17). He knew that God would ultimately judge the wicked (v. 23). This psalm was David’s way of casting his cares on the Lord (v. 22).
>> This psalm is a wonderful model of prayer for those who feel that they have been betrayed. David affirmed as his final word in this psalm, “But as for me, I trust in you” (v. 23). Remember that even our Lord Jesus was betrayed by a close friend and surrounded by enemies.
Pray with Us
We have been given a somber reminder of the pain of betrayal. If you can relate to David’s anguish, ask the Father to help you heal, overcome, and forgive.
BY Ryan Cook
Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.