What To Do When Friends Betray You?
An article came out yesterday in Breaking Christian News that prompted me to write about what to do when you've been betrayed by a friend. The title of the article written by Dr. Alveda King, who is MLK's niece, is " 'OH, OMAROSA'—ALVEDA KING RESPONDS TO OMAROSA'S UNPROVEN ACCUSATION OF RACISM AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP". Click here to read more.
In her commentary Dr. King quoted a couple of verses in Psalms 55, I looked up the verses so I could read the whole chapter. What was the context of these verses? What did David do about his frenemies? Like David, there are times when "I am overwhelmed by my troubles." I feel like I've been stabbed in the heart.
David says in verses 12-14, "It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God."
Betrayal hurts most when it comes from someone who has been close to us. I've personally experienced this multiple times with "church" friends. It hurts so bad!! We want to lash out and retaliate. David felt that way. He said in verse 15, "Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them."
However, what did David actually do? Verse 16-19 says, "BUT I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them." (emphasis added)
David continues to express his feelings to God. He doesn't ACT on his negative feelings, but he continues to look to God to save him. Verse 22-23 says, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, BUT I AM TRUSTING YOU TO SAVE ME." (emphasis added)
The one portion of scripture that has really helped me deal with betrayal is Eph 6:12-13, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND." (emphasis added)
May you take the time to meditate on these verses and ask God to impress upon you what to do next. May you put on the whole armour of God and STAND on these truths. In the midst of being betrayed, may you be empowered by the Holy Spirit and find God's blessing of rest and confidence upon you, so that you will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name!
