Psalm 55: Expressing Feelings to God

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Psalm.

"I wish I could talk to God about this. But I just can't. I can't get the words out. I feel so guilty because I can't trust him with the things that are most important to me."

Learning to express our feelings to God is not easy. The passionate, emotionally unrestrained prayers of the Bible may not be the kind we grew up with. We may find, in fact, that the prayers of the Bible make us anxious. We wonder how God would respond if we told him what we really felt.

Learning to express our feelings to God is a vital part of growing in intimacy with him. When we can tell him of our sorrow and anger and confusion and joy, we will experience his faithful love in new ways. In his Word we find many models of godly people who openly expressed their deepest feelings to God.

Warming Up to God

When you are sad or angry and you are talking to God, how do you expect him to respond? Talk to God about your concerns and fears.

Read Psalm 55

Discovering the Word

• What feelings are described in each section of Psalm 55?
• Describe the image of God that you find in this passage.
• What seems to be causing the psalmist to suffer (vv. 12-15, 20-21)?
• What does the psalmist expect God to do for him (vv. 16-19, 22-23)?

Applying the Word

• We often have a negative response to our "negative" feelings. What thoughts do you typically have in response to your feelings of anger, depression or fear?
• How does it affect you to know that God is near to you when you are in pain?

Responding in Prayer

How would you like God to help you to grow in your ability to express your feelings to him?