In the book of Psalms, we repeatedly encounter the full spectrum of emotional highs and lows common to all humanity. The lyrics of “For the Wings of a Dove” are taken from Psalm 55, likely written as Absalom, son of King David, was partnering with one of his father’s trusted counselors to overthrow the king’s leadership. Even before beginning his reign, David, anointed for the throne as a young man, had already endured relentless attacks from King Saul. Yet, Absalom’s rebellion affected him much more deeply: this attempt to divide the nation’s allegiance was deliberate family betrayal.
While you may not have experienced betrayal in your own life, you probably know someone who has been or felt betrayed by a person they once considered supportive, loyal, or trustworthy. Or perhaps you carry similar feelings of hurt and trauma from other painful situations, such as abusive environments and relationships or devastating disappointments, crucial moments in your life when significant people were unable to provide what you needed or expected. Is it possible to prevent these wounds from taking root in our minds, hearts, and bodies and permanently affecting our future ability to trust? Alisa Keeton, founder of Revelation Wellness and author of “The Wellness Revelation” and “The Body Revelation,” says that “…the answer to the pain is in the pain.” In other words, since our past or present hurts are undeniable, the healthiest response is to face them rather than trying to ignore or escape the pain.
King David’s response would make Alisa proud! Bringing his feelings openly to the Lord, he admitted that he was, “…distraught because of what my enemy is saying…for they bring down suffering on me…my heart is in anguish…fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.” Briefly seeking release, he imagined spreading his wings like a dove and escaping to a place of safety. Even though he longed to “fly away” from his painful situation, the king cried out, fully experiencing and expressing his pain, not to his friends, but directly to God. His greatest sadness was not coming from the challenge to his position and power but from the broken relationships of trust and love with the ones rising up against him. Verses 13-14 say, “…it is you…my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.” For David, this was not just any military struggle, but a very personal and public attack by those who had once been on his side, friends turned foes, and in this case, initiated by his own son.
Psalm 55 came to mind recently as I was unexpectedly reminded of two past hurtful incidents of betrayed trust by respected mentors and colleagues in my own life. Like many of us, unfortunately, these are not the only times that I have experienced a turning of support or an outright enemy attack. Writing this song has helped me process these painful realities, find deeper healing, and create a thank offering to God for carrying me through those challenging situations. The psalm’s opening cry, stated in a minor key and accompanied by a mournful cello solo, is followed by a moment of reprieve as David considers escaping on the “wings of a dove.” This ascending melody sends us back into a second verse of lament where he directly faces the personal pain of betrayal. The refrain, set in a major key, uses the same melodic motives and contours, this time accompanied by a cello section, and sets the psalmist’s words of wisdom and witness: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you…I call to the Lord and He saves me...from the battle, unharmed, He rescues me.” On the final refrain, the ascending line which mimics the earlier human escape attempt finally completes its journey, finding peace and resolution in the God “who does not change.”
Psalm 55 invites us to walk David’s path through a painful personal trial, one that would require even more reliance on His relationship with God, as it was soon followed by greater sorrow and grief over Absalom’s death (see 2 Samuel 18-19). This psalm may also foreshadow the betrayal of Jesus by one from His closest group of friends. During his earthly ministry, Jesus experienced the most intense versions of any emotions we will ever face. In John 16:33, He spoke plainly: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Whatever your pain or hurt, I pray that this song will encourage you to reach out to God for help and healing. People may abandon or forsake us but God is forever trustworthy. As David wrote, “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me…He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change.” Blessings and peace to you!
("For the Wings of a Dove" can be found on the album, "In God Alone")
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