Devotional from Penang, Malaysia

“His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.”
- Psalm 55:21-23 -

David is grappling with the reality that someone he has closely trusted has now turned against him -- surely one of the most painful experiences in life -- nothing hurt more than a wound from a friend. At times, a friend may need to confront, lovingly, in order to help but the kind of betrayal David is wrestling with cuts deep. You can feel this anguish throughout the psalm; the hurt caused by a friend's betrayal, someone with whom he 'once enjoyed sweet fellowship' (14), most clearly in verses 13, 14, 20, and 21. If you are precessing a similar betrayal, ask God to help you to conclude, with David, "But as for me, I trust in you" (23).

Prayer: Lord God, I lift up to you others in the world who are suffering. As they cry out to you, be their comfort, their assurance, their peace.

(a summary from Encounter with God)