Betrayed

It's heartbreaking to see when teenagers have been betrayed by the ones closest to them. By the ones who they should be able to rely upon more than anyone else on earth. However, sadly enough, we still live in a sin-cursed world, and betrayal does happen.

As a Christ-follower, we can look to Psalm 55 for help. Verses 1-5 paint an awful picture of this person's situation. Vs 6-8 echo the wish of many people, "just get me out of here, and away from my problems". Vs 9-11 continue moaning about the problems. Then in verses 12-14, we're blown away to find out that the person who has betrayed is someone very close...in fact, they went to the house of God together!

Vs 15 shows the natural reaction when someone is betrayed - to lash out in anger and wish harm upon the one who has betrayed. However, verses 16-19a help us get the right perspective - God enters the picture. Once God is trusted to take care of things, vs 19b-21 show a different attitude: more factual than emotional.

By this time, the writer of Psalm 55 is experienced enough in dealing with betrayal that he turns to us, the readers, and gives us instructions in verse 21 to point us to God. In verse 22 we recognize that the problem is still there, and the betrayal still took place, but the person decided to make God his closest friend and keep the right attitude and perspective on the situation.

FRIEND: if you have been betrayed, don't turn your back on the One who's there ready and willing to help you - Jesus Christ. He is who you need now. He won't give you wings to fly away from the situation, but He will be your strength through it.