Oh
that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness... I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.
Psalm 55:6-8
Psalm 55 [1.] Listen to my prayer, God.
Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.
Attend to me, and answer me.
I am restless in my complaint, and moan,
Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they bring suffering on me.
In anger they hold a grudge against me.
My heart is severely pained within me.
The terrors of death have fallen on me.
Fearfulness and trembling have come on me.
Horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove!
Then I would fly away, and be at rest.
Behold, then I would wander far off.
I would lodge in the wilderness.”
Selah.
“I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.”
Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language,
for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Meaning:
These verses capture a moment of intense longing and distress from David, who authored this psalm.
David’s Distress: Psalm 55 is a lament where David expresses deep anguish over betrayal by a close friend, combined with fears and pressures from his enemies. His trust has been shattered, and he feels overwhelmed by his circumstances.
Personal Turmoil: The psalm vividly depicts David's emotional state, his desire for escape, and his plea for God's intervention. He is surrounded by conflict and treachery, leading to a profound sense of vulnerability and desperation.
- Key Elements of the Verses:
Wings Like a Dove: David wishes he could escape his troubles by flying away like a dove, symbolizing peace, freedom, and a desire for relief from his burdens.
Flight to the Wilderness: The wilderness represents a place of solitude and safety away from the turmoil he is facing. It's a longing for isolation where he can find rest and respite.
Shelter from the Storm: The stormy wind and tempest symbolize the chaos and danger surrounding him. David's yearning for a shelter reflects his need for protection and calm amidst his troubles.
Theological Significance
- Human Vulnerability and Desire for Escape:
Expression of Honest Emotions: David's candid expression of his desire to escape reflects the raw human emotion we often feel in times of overwhelming stress and betrayal. It shows that it's natural to seek refuge and long for peace when facing intense trials.
Seeking God as Refuge: Though David wishes for physical escape, the broader context of the psalm indicates his ultimate reliance on God. Verses like Psalm 55:16-17 show David's turn to prayer and trust in God for deliverance: "As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me. Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice."
- God’s Presence in Times of Trouble:
God as Shelter: While David wishes for the literal wings of a dove, the metaphor extends to finding refuge in God. Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart."
Trust in Divine Deliverance: David's psalm encourages us to turn to God in our moments of desperation. Psalm 55:22 later assures us, "Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved."
Applications for Our Lives
- Coping with Overwhelming Stress:
Acknowledging Our Desires for Escape: It's important to acknowledge and validate our feelings when we wish to escape overwhelming situations. Recognizing our need for rest and refuge is the first step toward finding peace.
Seeking Solitude and Rest: Taking time to retreat and rest, much like David's wish to lodge in the wilderness, can be vital for our mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to recuperate and gain perspective.
- Turning to God in Distress:
Prayer and Reliance on God: In times of trouble, turning to prayer and seeking God's presence can provide the comfort and strength we need. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
Trust in God's Protection: Believing in God's protection and care, even when the situation seems dire, helps us endure and find hope. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."
Cross-References:
Psalm 27:5: "For in the day of trouble, he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the covert of his tabernacle, he will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock." This verse underscores the theme of God providing shelter and protection during times of trouble, reinforcing David's desire for a divine refuge.
Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus' invitation to come to Him for rest resonates with David's longing for peace and rest, highlighting the fulfillment of this desire in Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." These verses emphasize God’s role as a comforter in our afflictions, reflecting David’s need for divine comfort and reinforcing the idea that God’s comfort empowers us to support others.
Conclusion: Psalm 55:6-8 captures a moment of intense longing for escape and peace in the midst of turmoil and betrayal. David's heartfelt cry for the wings of a dove, a place in the wilderness, and shelter from the storm reflects the deep human desire for rest and protection when faced with overwhelming stress and danger.
For us today, these verses resonate deeply as they acknowledge our vulnerabilities and desires for peace. They remind us to seek God as our ultimate refuge and to trust in His protection and deliverance. By turning to God in prayer and relying on His strength, we can find the peace and rest we long for, even amidst life’s most challenging storms.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible