David’s anguish is palpatable in Psalm 55. The insults and threats of an enemy, though devastating, would be bearable for David, but from a friend? It was so unthinkable, it cut to his core. The relationship and bond in the Lord was so intimate between these friends. And yet, there was betrayal.
12 If an enemy were insulting me,
I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
I could hide.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
at the house of God,
as we walked about
among the worshipers. -Psalm 55:12-14
Who was this betrayer of David? Well, more than likely it wasn’t only his friend, but his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12). Absalom killed one of his half-brothers (defending the honor of his sister Tamar), then he formed and led a rebellion to overthrow David as king. The story is sad. It is full of lust, murder, conspiracy, betrayal, and death. David’s grief is spread throughout the entire episode. The betrayal was by his son, one whom he considered the closest of friends, one whom he had had sweet fellowship with in God’s house.
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As I cataloged my own friendships, though there were many ends to them, no act of betrayal was ever the cause. Sure, I’ve lost acquaintances over back-stabbing, gossip, and man-stealing. I’ve even had harsh words spoken to me by fellow believers (I’m sure I’ve spoken some of them too), but I’ve experienced nothing like the cutting to the core of this insult. Nothing like what David experienced. I’ve grown distant from church friends, but I’ve never truly felt this betrayal before…
And yet, I know it happens all the time, even in the church. I’ve seen churches split over tough issues. I’ve seen ministry partners talk past each other, using the same words but with different meanings. I’ve seen the hurt, but I haven’t felt it, not this hurt, at least not yet.
Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend in the church? What happened? Who did you turn to?
GET YOUR FAMILY'S FAITH LIFE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Want to get consistent sharing Jesus with your family and know it's making a difference? This 6 Faith Habits to Consistency checklist will give you quick ideas to steadily point your family to Jesus' amazing love.
GET YOUR FAMILY'S FAITH LIFE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Who do you turn to? 1 Peter 5:7 is a good one! Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Spurgeon’s words….he used the illustration of a man who came to move your furniture, but he carried a huge and heavy backpack of his own. He complains that he finds it difficult to do the job of moving your furniture; would you not suggest that he would find it easier if he laid his own burden aside so that he could carry yours? In the same way, we cannot do God’s work when we are weighed down by our own burdens and worries. Cast them upon Him, and then take up the Lord’s burden – which is light burden, and a yoke that fits us perfectly.
Great visual and reminder. I love this. Sometimes even in the midst of betrayal, we feel like we have to do all the work, forgetting that God actually cares for us, wants us to cast our anxieties on him alone, and wants us to focus on his vision and work in the world. How we need to remind ourselves daily! Thanks.