Evil speech destroys like a fire (James 3:5-6). It causes you to be distracted, disturbed and distraught. I lost confidence when a boss constantly criticized my work. When trusted friends stabbed me behind my back, I felt my whole world crashing in on me. In these hurtful times, you need an anchor. Psalm 55 details these varied feelings when facing harm from enemies and how to respond.  

Overview 
Prayer is always the first lifeline when you feel restless and overwhelmed. When facing trouble, pressure and grudges, complaining becomes the natural response  (Ps. 55:1-3). 

Feelings Within
Your heart is in anguish. Terror of death falls upon you. Fear and trembling saps your strength. You don’t know where to turn. You think only of escaping these circumstances. Wouldn’t it be great to fly away like a bird to safety in the wilderness (Ps. 55:4-8).

Trouble Identified 
The World War II saying that “loose lips sink ships” describe one’s enemies. One’s tongue destroys, oppresses and deceives others. It causes strife and violence in cities. At the very center of iniquity and mischief is evil speech from unexpected sources, your trusted friends, which cause even greater hurt (Ps. 55:9-15).

Appropriate Response
When you face evil, call and complain to the Lord because He hears. God delivers and allows you to know peace in the midst of the battle. God destroys and overturns flattering lips that sound good and comforting, but inwardly deceitful.  Trust God by casting your burden upon the Lord since He will sustain you. Take heart and pray because He never allows the righteous to be shaken even though people stab you in the back (Ps. 55:16-23).  

Write down your burdens (people saying unkind things or lies about you, injustice you are facing, etc.). Place the paper in a backpack and put it on. Take it off symbolizing that you are casting your burden upon the Lord.  


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