I Call Upon God

Saturday, October 18, 2014
Psalm 55:12-23 KJV

12 For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them. 16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21 [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the psalmist describe those who might have acted wickedly against him and what would he have done if they had offended him? (v.12)
2) How does the psalmist describe the one who did offend him? (v.13-14,19b-21 )
3) What does the psalmist want to happen to his opponent(s)? (v.15)
4) What does the psalmist intend to do and what will happen to him, as a result? (v.16-19a)
5) What does the psalmist encourage the righteous to do and why? (v.22)
6) What does the psalmist say will happen to deceitful men and what will he do instead? (v.23)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What would you if a trusted friend betrayed you?
8) Has that ever happened to you? Describe one such instance and what you did, as a result.
9) How has the Lord responded if  you have cried out to Him in recent months?

PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord is our vindicator and protector.
11) The Lord delivers His people from their troubles when they call upon Him.
12) God expects His children to cast their burdens upon Him, because He cares for us.