What does Psalm 55:4 mean?

David was so distressed that he felt his heart was on the verge of failing. His situation was not merely dangerous; it was life-threatening and dire. Scholars suggest this psalm might have been written when David's son, Absalom, rebelled against him. David was forced to flee to avoid being slaughtered (2 Samuel 15:14). This psalm refers to threats coming from a friend, which may refer to Ahithophel, David's advisor who betrayed him by following Absalom (Psalm 55:12–13; 2 Samuel 15:31).

Had David remained focused on the threats of his enemy, he would be forever terrified. Yet later in this psalm, he turns his attention to God and finds reassurance (Psalm 55:18). When Jesus' disciples were caught in the middle of a raging storm in the Sea of Galilee, they, too, were in a perilous and frightening situation (Mark 4:35–37). They thought they would die, but Jesus was resting peacefully in the boat (Mark 4:38). The disciples woke Him, worrying He didn't care about their lives. When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and told the sea to be still (Mark 4:39). Suddenly the wind ceased, and the sea became calm. Jesus asked the disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 4:40). When a crisis strikes, the believer should respond with faith instead of fear.