Psalm 55:1-23 (text v. 7) Prophetically-- Tribulation (vs. 3, 6, 8, 20).

    This Psalm was written by David when he was fleeing from the rebellion of Absalom. Troubles were abounding in his life--Persecution troubles (vs. 3-7); Personal troubles (vs. 12-13); Kingly troubles. 
    David came to recognize that his trial was from God (2 Sam. 16:10-11). Some people think that trouble is the fault of some individual in their life. On the surface, it may look that way, but the issue goes beyond any human relationship. Trouble is not an issue between you and someone else. Trouble is an issue between you and God. God instigates trouble.
    The temptation is to try to run from your troubles. This is what David is saying in verses 6-8. Our troubles will just follow us, wherever we run or fly.
HOW TO RESPOND TO TROUBLES:
I. UPWARD Response--Make prayer a priority (vs. 1, 2, 16, 17). 
    A. Where do you go for help?
    B. HOW HE PRAYED:
        1. Frequently (3 regular times). Do you have regular prayer times?
        2. Fervently (He cried aloud). Are your prayers fervent?
II. BACKWARD Reponse--Draw on God's faithfulness in the past (vs. 18-19). 
    A. Verse 19, "…even he that abideth of old…" is an old Hebrew idiom that means "God doesn't change;" "God is still on the throne."
    B. What has God done for you in the past? He can do it again!
III. GODWARD Response--Cast your burden on the Lord (v. 22). 
    A. A burden to EXCEL us-- "THY burden"-- denotes that everyone's burden is different. PERSPECTIVE--A burden is a GIFT. It is a gift from God to make us better. God never gives you anything to hurt you. God only gives us things that will benefit us.
    B. A duty to ENGAGE us-- "CAST thy burden upon the Lord…" 
        Three possible responses to burdens (troubles):
        1. You can try to escape from your burden (trouble) like David.
        2. You can wilt under the weight of your burden-- "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop…" (Prov. 12:25).
        3. You can cast it back from where it came. David didn't ask to be King. God made him King. So David cast all the troubles of being King back on the Lord.
    C. A promise to ENCOURAGE us-- "…he shall SUSTAIN THEE…"  He takes care of the flowers/ birds. Aren't you worth more than them?
CONCLUSION:

If your body suffers pain and your health you can't regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair;
Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and he can heal--
Take Your Burden to the Lord and LEAVE IT THERE! 
When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don't forget that God in heaven answers prayer,
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely thru--
"Take Your Burden to the Lord and LEAVE IT THERE!"