Psalm 55 - The Ape Who Wanted Wings

It was years ago. I don't remember what was so discouraging at the time, but I remember echoing David's sentiment from Psalm 55:
“Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6, New American Standard Bible, 2995)

My wife's response was, "Too bad you only have legs like an ape!"

She can be sympathetic. Really. At the time, though, she was probably trying to use a dose of levity with a dash of sarcasm as an preventative against self pity, or was it an antidote? Anyway...

We all have those times when we need more than a vacation, which aren't always restful. We long for peace of heart and mind.

When David said those words, he was being tracked by his enemies (v.3). He had a close and confidential friend, a friend who used to go with him to the temple to worship. That friend had betrayed him. (vv.12-14) {Compare to Judas: Psalm 41:9; Matthew 26:23}

No wonder he was terrorized by death (v.4)
No wonder he wanted to retreat to the wilderness (v.7).
No wonder he wanted  to find a place of refuge (v.8).

But he needed more than his usual hiding places like a cave or forest (1 Samuel 22:1 & 5; 23:13; Psalm 57 & 142).

His refuge is explained in verse 16ff.:
“As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice.
He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me...” (vv.16-18)

The point wasn't just to "complain and murmur," but to call out to God.
It was a calling out to God that left the weight of the world on HIS shoulders.

As David describes it,
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (v.22)

Maybe the ape doesn't need wings after all.

Father God,
Whatever weight we carry: whether it's an attack or a betrayal, a sorrow or a disappointment, a pain or a terror--we call out to You and ask you to carry the burden for us. Sustain us with Your love and Your strength we pray. Amen