Imagine the thought of being crushed and ground into the dust, as a despised bug, beneath the foot – by your FRIEND! And not just any friend, but a FAMILIAR friend – someone who knew you well -- someone you trusted! Someone you had in your home! Someone you gave to lovingly and willingly and caused to be nourished and to to be blessed with your own substance! This is the anguished thought expressed in the Psalms.
Those who love deeply also hurt deeply. Jesus himself experienced betrayal by a man whom he had accepted into His closest and most intimate circle. He called Judas “Friend” in their parting words as He was betrayed with a kiss and abandoned in His darkest hours.
Sometimes, despite our greatest efforts for reconciliation, a person we love chooses to walk away. Betrayal by one in whom you loved and deeply invested can often take years to come to a semblance of healing. Because it is perceived as a “death” in our deepest emotions, we often experience all the steps of grief as we try to reconcile our inner turmoil and sense of loss.
What can we do as we try to pick up the pieces and work through the hurt and healing process? There is no simple “1-2-3” process, but these truths can hopefully guide you to a place of renewed hope and vision.
Pour out your heart to the Lord. (Read the rest of Psalm 55/focusing on verses 1, 2, 16, 17, 22) God is big enough -- It’s okay to “mourn in my complaint, and make a noise” … to “call upon God” and to come to Him all throughout the day over and over (evening, and morning, and at noon) to pray and “cry aloud” – “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee…” He truly cares and listens to our cries; He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities!
Find hope in Scriptures and promises. Stay in your Bible – the Lord can give you just what you need for “this day” from a Bible character or He can give a precious personal nugget. Grab hold and don’t let go of the Bible promises He gives to you, no matter how broken you might be feeling.
Seek counsel from trusted spiritual mentors. Having someone that listens and truly cares can make all the difference. Make sure to choose a Spirit-filled Christian who will always lovingly point you to Bible truths, while being a compassionate friend and voice of reason.
Realize that God sees the whole picture; there is good that can come from this. In future years, as life travels “full circle,” God might allow you to see the reason behind the suffering and betrayal; He did this for faithful Joseph in the Bible. He might also choose to never reveal “why” until eternity. You can trust Him. He can work all things for our good and His glory.
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