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David McCullough said about betrayal: “History is not the story of heroes entirely. It is often the story of cruelty and injustice and shortsightedness. There are monsters, there is evil, there is betrayal.” When a friend betrays another friend, the pain can be devastating. That is what happened to David, author of Psalm 55. His close friend–one who often worshiped with him — betrayed him. The friend’s betrayal left David in emotional pain. As he reflected on what his friend did to him, he realizes that injustice and deception is widespread in the human race. His first impulse was to escape the pain by flying far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Then, he realized that distance would not ease his pain. So instead, he decides to turn to God in prayer. Morning, noon, and night he cried out to the Lord in distress. He discovered that when he prayed, the Lord heard his voice. He can now testify, “God ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle raged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them.” David then offers some wise advice. He says, “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” So if someone betrays you, instead of trying to get even, or trying to drown the pain in some regretful way, find comfort in the Lord.
