September 27, 2025

WHEN FRIENDS BETRAY US

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“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. Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them. 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. Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God. As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

Psalms 55:12-22 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Psalm 55 shows us what to do when the deepest wounds come not from enemies but from friends who betray us. David models how to name the pain, bring it to God, and trust Him with the burden.

1. Name the Pain

• Betrayal hurts more than opposition from strangers.

• David is honest: “It is you—my companion, my close friend.” 

Naming the wound is the first step toward healing.

2. Be Honest with God

• David doesn’t hide his emotions. He even prays, “Let the grave swallow them alive.”

• Anger itself isn’t sin — it’s what we do with it that matters.

• Healthy response: bring your raw feelings to God rather than suppressing them or lashing out at others.

3. Give it to God in Trust

• Verse 22: “Cast your burdens on the Lord and He will sustain you.”

• Offense, bitterness, and hurt are too heavy to carry on your own.

• This is not a one-time action — it’s often daily, even moment by moment.

Practical Steps

• Write down the offense — don’t let it swirl endlessly in your head.

• Surrender it to God — literally pray over that paper and tear it up, burn it, or throw it away.

• Seek repair if possible — reconciliation is a biblical goal, but not always possible or safe.

• Ask the Spirit to heal — true freedom comes when the Holy Spirit removes bitterness and replaces it with peace.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I open my heart to Your healing. I give You my hurt, anger, and disappointment. I refuse to carry bitterness. I choose to trust You with my burdens. Give me freedom and peace as You carry what I cannot. Amen.

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