Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

Have you ever suffered the betrayal of a friend? If so, many biblical figures endured similar circumstances. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. David’s son Absalom opposed him in an attempt to take his kingdom. Most scholars agree that David wrote Psalm 55 in response to the betrayal of a friend.

The pain of the unfaithfulness of a friend is greater than the anguish that comes from an assault by an enemy. We let our guard down with those we trust in our lives. When a trusted member of our inner circle turns against us, we naturally feel the devastation of the loss of a friend and the realization of sudden trouble at the same time.

For some believers, it is a family who betrays them. As Jesus says in Matthew 10:36, “A man’s foes will be those of his own household. WEB” This sort of division is particularly painful but even when our family members come against us, the Lord is always present to comfort us, bear our burdens, and direct our steps. King David writes in Psalm 27:10, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. KJV”

In Response to Betrayal

In response to the betrayal of a friend, the psalmist says, “cast your cares on the Lord.” The overwhelming emotional strain of disloyalty is often more than we can bear alone. Giving our burden to the Lord, we receive his power to endure and overcome.

Beyond that, the psalmist writes, “he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Convicted of sin, repentant, and forgiven by grace through the blood of Christ, the righteous are those who live for God and in obedience to his word.

When we allow God to work through us, there is no trial too great. Betrayed by a friend, “cast your cares on the Lord.” As we read is Deuteronomy 31:6, “He will not fail you nor forsake you. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: Crucified With Christ