Psalm 55:10, 11   
Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, 
but the real danger is wickedness within the city. 
Everything is falling apart; 
threats and cheating are rampant in the streets. (NLT)

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Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of the Caribbean said, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?”

Counselors and mentors enjoy speaking similar words to their clients and proteges. The first time someone told me, “Your problem is not the problem,” it made me pause and reflect. First, it made me wonder what he was talking about. Second, it made me wonder how what he was saying applied to me. 

King David, in this psalm, makes it clear how the threat against Jerusalem was less about external enemies and more about enemies within. Intrigue was the rule of the day. People plotted to take his life. Betrayal broke his heart. 

The only safe place to stand was upon his Rock. David knew where to flee for refuge. He says in verse 22,

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Sometimes, I don’t understand the problem.

Sometimes, I don’t understand myself. 

Sometimes, I don’t know where to turn for safety and solutions.

Always, God embodies truth.

Always, God sees what we cannot.

Always, God provides refuge and rescue. 

Whatever your problem today, fly to God and find rest. Fly to him and experience peace. (See verses 6 and 7.)

Whatever your attitude toward the problem and the people who caused it, call on God to rescue you. Cry out in your distress, knowing God hears your heart. (See verses 16 and 17.)

King David’s bottom line is found in verse 23. His final words after pouring out his considerable anguish are these:

“I am trusting you to save me.”

That’s a good prayer. You might want to pray it sometime. Feel free to practice it today. Turn into one of those simple prayers you can speak in a moment of need knowing that God took one man’s extremity and preserved the words for you to echo today whatever you are going through.

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I will trust God to take care of me.

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Our Father, my problem with my problems is that I do not understand my problems from your perspective. Reorient my vision. Provide me with clarity. Empower me to respond appropriately. Teach me to trust you with whatever threatens me. Amen.