Bible Study Notes 6/24/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 15

24 June 2025

Lesson 15, Psalm 55:1-23, NLT: This is a Psalm of David, but it does not provide us with a particular time and place where the events he spoke of occurred. We do see clearly in the strong language; a description of the mood David was in, as he experienced the anguish of the moment. The language is very subjective. David is looking to God for healing and a resolve to his crisis.  David’s pleas and complaints, lets us know we can be transparent with God when we’re hurt, fearful, or encountering emotional turmoil. The gravity of David’s pain seems to be that he has been severely hurt by a close friend. This is coupled with the constant harm of enemies, whom he must deal with. These combined, have brought David to inner turmoil – which he realizes only can be reconciled by his abiding faith in God. David expresses a range of moods, but characteristic to his spiritual nature exudes confidence in God, who will avenge his enemies and keep David safe from harm and destruction. David said, “But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.” (vs. 23, NLT).

 Verses & Explanations for Psalm 55:1-23, NLT

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-3) – Transparency about troubles.

(Verses 4-8) – Honest fears and anxiety.

(Verses 9-11) – Asking God to destroy the oppressor.

(Verses 12-14) – Pain of a friend’s betrayal.

(Verse 15) – Desperation seeking revenge.

(Verses 16-19) – Confidence in God during difficulty.

(Verses 20-21) – Calling out the enemy.

(Verses 22-23) – Leaving matters to God.  

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”  – Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 55:1-3, NLT 1 “Listen to my prayer, O Lord. Do not ignore my cry for help. 2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. 3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.

Psalm 55:4-8, NLT

 4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.  5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove: then I would fly away and rest! 7 I would fly away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude 

 8 How quickly I would escape – far from this storm of hatred.

Psalm 55:9-11, NLT

 9 Confuse them Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. 11 Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.

Psalm 55:12-14, NLT

12 It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them.13 Instead, it is you – my equal, my companion and close friend. 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Psalm 55:15, NLT

15 Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home in them.

Psalm 55:16-19, NLT

16 But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. 17 Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. 19 God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.

Psalm 55:20-21, NLT

 20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.  21 His words are as smooth as butter, but underneath are daggers.

Psalm 55:22-23, NLT

22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.  23 But you O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.”