We need to stop overestimating our problems and underestimating prayer.

Fr. Jon Beadle

The betrayal of a friend cuts deep down, even to my soul. Someone so close can wound in a way that someone at a distance cannot. This kind of problem can feel too heavy to bear.

When the tea kettle of my emotions rolls to a full boil, what releases the steam is a call to a trusted friend. Once the overwhelm is vented, I might quickly move on and become distracted by the demands of daily life. A friend’s sympathy provides balm for a troubled soul, but what does God call me to do?

In the first half of Psalm 55, David speaks of a devastating betrayal from someone inside his faith community. He takes his wounding and weariness directly to God in prayer. In the second half of the psalm, he sheds more light on his method of prayer.

16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.
19 God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah
because they do not change and do not fear God.
(Psalm 55:16-19 ESV)

Declaration

David’s prayer begins with a declaration based on God’s character, not his situation.

“the LORD will save me.” verse 16

Schedule

David commits to a schedule of prayer.

Morning, noon, and evening he prays.  Verse 17

When my life feels chaotic, and emotions run high, scheduled prayer provides a pathway to soul-tending and spiritual self-care.

Redemptive Results

“He redeems my soul in safety from the battle” verse 18

God redeems our souls when we commit to tending them in prayer.  He restores us, not just out of the flames, but allows us to become stronger and more resilient. Taking time for confession clears out what can only weaken us.

God Hears and Humbles

“God will give ear and humble them” – verse 19

As I pray more, it becomes clear that it is not up to me to change the hearts or minds of my enemies because God will humble them. This humbling may lead to their repentance, but I don’t need to figure that out.

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.
21 His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil,
    yet they were drawn swords.
(Psalm 55:20-21 ESV)

Full Report

David reports to God all the wrongs done.

Hand against his friend, violating a covenant – verse 20

He shares with God his betrayal.

Buttery speech, words softer than oil, yet war in his heart

Sometimes our betrayer continues to fool others with sweet talk and soothing words. All the while, God knows what is in our enemy’s hearts. He is never deceived.

Burdens Cast Away

²² Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved.

²³ But you, O God, will cast them down  into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery
    shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

(Psalm 55:22-23 ESV)

When I cast my burdens on the LORD, he responds with sustaining strength. If not, I will become too exhausted from carrying what I was not designed to carry. God will hear my complaints and take care of the needed judgment. I can trust God to bring justice in His way and time.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for creating a safe space for me to come to with my wounded heart. Knowing you will act on my behalf, I pour out my pain, sadness, and the details of my betrayal. Help me to pray more and keep accounts short with you. Thank you for redeeming my soul and healing me from a friend’s wounds. I will trust you today to bring justice and resolution, in Jesus’ name.