Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 3: Psalms 39–59

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Psalm 55 with Augustine – Trusting God in the Storm Amid many hardships of this world, this psalm’s complaint arises from understanding. The one who has no understanding does not lament.

There is a storm at sea. There is nothing to do but cry out, “Lord, save me!” (Matt 14:30) Let the one who treads the waves fearlessly stretch out his hand. Let him relieve your dread. Let him confirm your

Psalm 55 with Augustine “Perhaps the reason your heart is troubled is because you have forgotten him in whom you have believed.”

security in him. Let him speak within you, and say to you, “Pay attention to Me, what I have endured.” Perhaps you are suffering an evil family member or an outside enemy; which of these have I not suffered? Jews roared outside, within a disciple betrayed me. There a storm rages, but he saves us from weakness of mind, and stormy weather. Perhaps the reason your heart is troubled is because you have forgotten him in whom you have believed. You are suffering beyond endurance because you have not remembered what Christ has endured. But when you have considered what He has suffered, will you not calmly endure? And perhaps rejoicing, because you have suffered similarly to your King. When you have begun to be comforted and to rejoice after thinking, he has arisen, he has commanded the winds; therefore there is a great calm. As for me, I call to God and the LORD saves me (v. 16). The Body of Christ together with Christ himself in anguish, in weariness, in uneasiness. Rightly do you cry out to the Lord.