Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 55
Have you ever been betrayed by someone you thought was your closest friend and confidant? David faced a time in life where not only did his own son Absalom turn the people away from David and try to bring a coup, but David’s own personal counselor Ahithophel joined Absalom against him. David had to run for his life and battle against his own son and people who believed the deceitful lies that had been fed to them for 4 years by Absalom. Many who David thought were close allies turned out to be wolves in sheep clothing.
As you read the first 8 verses you find the description of the broken heart of David as he weeps for God to deliver him from traitors and enemies. Psalms 55:4-5, 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. 5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.(NIV) David wanted to fly away like a dove, flee to the desert away from the storm, and try to find shelter and rest. I try not to think of the times when my heart has been broken by betrayal of the ones I love and trusted. I think all of us have been tempted to run away and hide as it seems the whole world as turned against us.
David asked for God to confuse the wicked who had turned against him.(vs. 9) It would be one thing if it was an enemy that was slandering and turning the people against him, but it was his own son and closest friend and counselor, ones who had celebrated victories and worshipped before God together with him.(vs. 10-15) Again, it is David’s faithfulness in prayer and trusting God hear and fight for him that saves him. Psalms 55:16-19, 16 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them” (NIV).
The real call for us is found in verses 22-3. “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”… “But as for me, I trust in you.”(NIV)
It reminds me of 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” If you find yourself betrayed and brokenhearted today cry out to the Lord, and then cast your care on Him.
Father, we can only begin to understand what it must be like for you to deal with sinful man, who even though created and loved by You, we rebelled and betrayed You and Your Son. My heart has been broken in thinking of the times I have been devastated by those who I love and trust. Help me to trust in Your faithful justice and Your eternal care for me. I cast my pain, fear, anger, frustration and troubles upon You because I trust in Your loving care for me! In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob