An invisible force came against David, with intent to destroy his life. The first choice of attack was in David's mind. “...I am restless in my complaint and I moan” (Psalms 55:2b NKJV). Other translations say “...I am worn out by my worries” (GNT) and “My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught” (NIV). We can receive two different types of thoughts, thoughts of peace, or thoughts of evil. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). The enemy of our souls will give us thoughts that are accusing, sad and worrying, thoughts that bring hopelessness and indication of a bad future. The thoughts from the Lord are never sad, they don't lead us to moan and be worried, rather they give us hope of a bright future.

The second thing David experienced in the storm he was in, was an attack with words, evil and godless words. “Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for the bring down trouble upon me, and in wrath they hate me” (Psalms 55:3). Together with thoughts of evil, words from the enemy were sent towards him, with the intent to bring him oppression and misery. Words have power to destroy someone's life. A smear campaign based on lies can bring a lot of pain to its target, it can in fact ruin someone’s life. David’s reaction to the evil thoughts and words was both physical and soulful; “my heart is severely pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me” (Psalms 55:4-5).

Like the nature, or say purpose, of a physical storm is to bring disorder and destruction, the spiritual storm David experienced also has a purpose. Its purpose was to make him give up on the plan and purpose that God had for his life. “So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove” I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness” (Psalms 55:6-7). A physical storm will make us seek cover for its devastation. A spiritual storm will bring us fear, and tell us that we have no future, no hope, that we can simply give up. Lies! The one behind the spiritual storm is a liar, there is no truth in him! (John 8:44). When we belong to God, it does not matter what difficulties we face in life, it is not over until God says it is over!

It is written in Romans that “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Psalm 55 is written to bring hope, patience and comfort. “To everything there is a season…” it is written in Ecclesiastes (3:1a). The storm we have looked at now has its beginning, but it also has an end. It's beginning and its effects were from the devil, but the end of it came from the Lord.

David belonged to the Lord, and when he poured his heart out to him, God delivered him from the storm. “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me. God will hear, and afflict them..” (Psalms 55:16-19a).

We read in Romans 15:4 that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning”. David’s encouragement to those who read Psalm 55 is to: “cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you, he shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalms 55:22). All power belongs to our God. He is above the storm that wants to destroy the righteous. We have seen the effects that the storm had on David’s life, but he came out of it victorious. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He does the same. He saves and delivers the righteous from the storms of the enemy. The storm will end with Jesus, for he came to destroy the works of the devil (1.John 3:8b).