It was not an enemy
Today's focusDavid says he could have borne the insult of an enemy, but it came from his companion and friend whose words were smoother than butter; he calls on God evening, morning and noon and casts his burden on the Lord.
Read
12For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. 15Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. 16As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. 19God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. 22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Reflection
Betrayal carries a unique sting when it comes from someone close to you. The psalmist describes the deep ache of being reproached not by a stranger, but by "a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance." You may know the pain of having someone you once "took sweet counsel together" with turn against you. It is harder to endure than the attacks of an enemy, because you did not feel the need to hide from a friend. Their words may have seemed "softer than oil," yet their actions revealed "war was in his heart."
In the middle of this heartbreak, you are invited to bring your honesty to God. The psalmist does not hide his distress; instead, he commits to "call upon God" throughout the entire day—"Evening, and morning, and at noon." Even when people break their promises and covenants, God remains the one who "abideth of old." You are encouraged to "Cast thy burden upon the LORD," trusting that He hears your voice and will sustain you. He is the steady ground when your world feels shaken.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What would you like to tell God honestly about the person who hurt you and how it has affected you?
Pray
Lord, you know the pain of being hurt by someone I trusted. I pour out my heart to you evening, morning and noon. I cast this burden on you; sustain me.