Psalm 55 is David crying out to God after being betrayed. We don’t know exactly what happened, but we do know it must have been something severe, because David uses very strong language in this psalm. I can imagine David seething as he’s writing this; he’s both heartbroken and furious. He wants God to act.
We know this was an especially painful time because it was someone David considered a close friend. It was someone he likely looked up to, someone he was vulnerable with and even went to temple with.
Perhaps you can identify with those feelings after being betrayed by a friend or loved one. So how do we move forward and prevent ourselves from being sunk by feelings of anger, resentment, and grief?
While those feelings are normal, the Bible also says in James 1:20 that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4 that we can be angry, but not sin.
In Ezekiel 33:11 God says that he takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather wants them to turn from their wicked ways and live. 2 Peter 3:9 shares the same sentiment, that God would rather people repent than perish. Disciples of Jesus should share the same perspective, even towards those who wrong us.
At minimum, we should seek forgiveness. At best, we should pursue reconciliation.
Colossians 3:1-2 says this:” If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to harden our hearts. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to be gentle.
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to seek revenge. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to show mercy.
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to hold a grudge. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to forgive.
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to be self-righteous. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to be humble.
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to shut people out. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to pursue reconciliation.
When we fix our eyes on things below, we have reason to talk about those who hurt us. When we fix our eyes on things above, we have reason to pray for those who hurt us.
In Christ, we have one who knows what it means to be betrayed, and in Christ we have one who will never betray us. Will you follow him?
