FRIDAY 15TH APRIL,2016
TOPIC: ‘YOU, TOO, MY FRIEND? (1)
TEXT: Psalms 55:13 “But it was you, a man my equal My companion and my acquaintance.”
No dagger strikes as deeply as the thrust of betrayal. Maybe you identify with David’s story of treachery. It’s the cry of a wounded heart, a desperate prayer for relief. He’s overwhelmed and shaken to the core. If it had been an enemy ‘… then I could bear it… ‘ (v. 12). But it was ‘my closest friend, the one I trusted most. We enjoyed being together, and we went…to your house, our God (v. 13-14). It was a bitter pill to swallow—his bosom pal, the last one he would ever suspect, the person he trusted with his deepest secrets, a brother in the faith and fellow worshipper! No wonder his heart was broken. He was in a life-threatening position because of a covenant-breaking friend. ‘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!’ (v. 20- 21). How does David get beyond his grief? By doing these three things:
1) HE ACKNOWLEDGES IT. He verbalizes the emotions he’s experiencing.
2) HE TALKS TO GOD ABOUT IT. Instead of faking pseudo-courage, he shares his anguish with God.
‘Morning, noon, and night my complaints and groans go up to Him, and He will hear my voice’ (v. 17).
3) HE TURNS HIS SITUATION OVER TO GOD. ‘Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—He’ll carry your load …He’II never let good people topple into ruin….”…’ (v. 22).
Today, do those three things and you’ll get back on track again.
MEDITATION: Ps 118:8-9
STUDY THE BIBLE
ACTS 5:17-42/DEUT 25-27/JOB 16