This verse reminds us that God listens when we earnestly call to Him.
David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, begins this psalm (traditionally attributed to him) with a heartfelt plea: “Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication” (v.1). These words reveal a deep longing for God’s attentive presence, reflecting the intensity of David’s distress. In this opening appeal, David’s relationship with God is evident—he trusts that the Lord is both willing and able to listen to him. Yet, his words also show that he fears being unheard, a sentiment that many Christians throughout history have identified with when they feel alone or troubled.
When David prays, “Give ear to my prayer” (v.1), he indicates that he desperately wants God’s attention and compassion. This highlights our own personal need for God’s listening ear during moments of fear or sorrow (Hebrews 4:16). The request, “do not hide Yourself from my supplication” (v.1), invites readers to recognize that approaching God can feel daunting when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, but David reminds us that God remains near to those who seek Him. Jesus, in the New Testament, also encourages believers to keep asking and seeking (Matthew 7:7), illustrating that the Lord welcomes our honest prayers.
This opening verse sets the tone of urgency, showing that a faithful heart calls out to the Lord when faced with hardship: “Give ear…do not hide Yourself” (v.1). David’s prayer reminds us that no need or concern is too small or too large for God’s loving attention, inviting each believer to approach Him with honesty and confidence.
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Psalms 55:1 meaning
David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, begins this psalm (traditionally attributed to him) with a heartfelt plea: “Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication” (v.1). These words reveal a deep longing for God’s attentive presence, reflecting the intensity of David’s distress. In this opening appeal, David’s relationship with God is evident—he trusts that the Lord is both willing and able to listen to him. Yet, his words also show that he fears being unheard, a sentiment that many Christians throughout history have identified with when they feel alone or troubled.
When David prays, “Give ear to my prayer” (v.1), he indicates that he desperately wants God’s attention and compassion. This highlights our own personal need for God’s listening ear during moments of fear or sorrow (Hebrews 4:16). The request, “do not hide Yourself from my supplication” (v.1), invites readers to recognize that approaching God can feel daunting when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, but David reminds us that God remains near to those who seek Him. Jesus, in the New Testament, also encourages believers to keep asking and seeking (Matthew 7:7), illustrating that the Lord welcomes our honest prayers.
This opening verse sets the tone of urgency, showing that a faithful heart calls out to the Lord when faced with hardship: “Give ear…do not hide Yourself” (v.1). David’s prayer reminds us that no need or concern is too small or too large for God’s loving attention, inviting each believer to approach Him with honesty and confidence.