◄ Psalm 55:2 ►
Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught
Study Bible
Attend to me
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, David, seeking God's attention and intervention. The Hebrew root for "attend" is "qashab," which means to incline or to listen carefully. In the context of ancient Israel, this reflects a deep yearning for divine presence and assurance. David, a man after God's own heart, often found solace in knowing that God was attentive to his cries. This plea is a reminder of the intimate relationship believers can have with God, who is always ready to listen to the cries of His children.

and answer me
The request for an answer signifies David's desire for a tangible response from God. The Hebrew word "anah" implies a reply or a response, often in the form of deliverance or guidance. In the historical context, David faced numerous adversities, and his call for an answer reflects his reliance on God's wisdom and intervention. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's guidance with the expectation that He will respond, reinforcing the faith that God is actively involved in the lives of His people.

I am restless
Here, David expresses his inner turmoil and anxiety. The Hebrew word "rud" conveys a sense of wandering or being in a state of unrest. This reflects the human condition of experiencing distress and uncertainty. David's transparency in sharing his restlessness serves as an inspiration for believers to bring their own struggles before God, trusting that He understands and cares for their emotional and spiritual well-being.

in my complaint
The term "complaint" comes from the Hebrew "siach," which can mean meditation, musing, or lament. David's use of this word indicates a deep, contemplative expression of his troubles. In the scriptural context, lamenting before God is a form of prayer that acknowledges human frailty and God's sovereignty. This phrase encourages believers to be honest in their prayers, presenting their grievances to God as an act of faith and trust in His justice and mercy.

and distraught
The word "distraught" captures the intensity of David's emotional state. The Hebrew "hamah" suggests a tumult or commotion, often used to describe the roaring of the sea. This vivid imagery highlights the depth of David's distress. Historically, David faced numerous threats and betrayals, which contributed to his sense of being overwhelmed. This phrase serves as a reminder that even in moments of profound distress, believers can turn to God, who is a refuge and source of peace amidst life's storms.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's attention and intervention.

2. Jerusalem
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life and many of his psalms often relate to his experiences in and around Jerusalem.

3. Enemies
The psalm reflects David's struggles with adversaries, which could include personal enemies or broader threats to his kingship.

4. God
The central figure to whom David directs his plea, seeking divine attention and response.

5. Prayer
The act of communicating with God, which is the primary action David is engaged in within this verse.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Honest Prayer
David's raw and honest expression of his feelings teaches us that we can bring our true emotions and struggles before God without fear.

God's Attentiveness
This verse reassures us that God is attentive to our cries and desires to respond to our needs, encouraging us to seek Him earnestly.

Dealing with Distress
Like David, we can find solace in turning to God during times of distress, trusting that He hears and will provide comfort and guidance.

The Power of Lament
Lamenting is a biblical way to process pain and seek God's intervention, reminding us that it's okay to express sorrow and seek help.

Faith in God's Response
Even when feeling restless and distraught, maintaining faith that God will answer is crucial for spiritual resilience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's approach to prayer in Psalm 55:2 encourage you to communicate with God about your own struggles?

2. In what ways can you relate to David's feelings of restlessness and distress, and how can you apply his example in your life?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30) enhance your understanding of God's response to our prayers?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a habit of honest and open prayer, especially during challenging times?

5. How can you support others in your community who may be experiencing similar feelings of distress and restlessness, using insights from this study?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 4:6-7
This passage encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds, which connects to David's plea for God's attention and response.

1 Peter 5:7
This verse instructs believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them, echoing David's act of bringing his complaints and distress before the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, paralleling David's expression of restlessness and need for divine intervention.
Sermons
The True and the False Way of Encountering the Difficulties of LifeC. Short Psalm 55:1-8
The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in LifeHomilistPsalm 55:1-23
The Outcry of a Soul in DistressT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 55:1-23
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aloud, Attend, Complaint, Distracted, Distraught, Heed, Low, Meditation, Moan, Mourn, Noise, Overcome, Plaint, Prayer, Restless, Sorrow, Surely, Trouble, Wander
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:1-2

     8653   importunity, to God

Library
July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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