Overcoming Betrayal 07.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday July 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 52-59 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052-59&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the tendency of a corrupt tongue; foolishness of atheism; a prayer for protection; a cry against deceitful friends; and the psalmist's trust in God. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we will all face betrayal at one time in our lives, but trusting in God will help us to overcome this and strengthen us to be of healp to others.

In these psalms David contemplates some discouraging times in his life. He was heartbroken over the revolt that was led by his rebellious son that ended with the death of Absalom. He must have been surprised and heartbroken also to discover that his own son turned the peoples heart's against him and declared himself king. On top of that his friend, and most trusted adviser Ahithophel, had not only joined Absalom, but had also asked to personally execute him. David was shaken with grief, "Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company." (Psalm 55:10-114). He expressed his deep disappointment in the hypocrisy and treachery of this one whom he called his trusted advisor and friend.  

However, he committed his sorrows to the Lord and trusted solely in Him as he had done from his youth. He had assurance that God was able to sustain him in every trial and would accomplish His purpose for his life. Therefore, he concluded that psalm by saying, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into." (55:22-23). David spoke out of the realization that those who were seeking his downfall were, in reality, opposing God.  

Every servant of God probably has had similar experiences. Since we are the Lord's servants, we should not be greatly surprised when we are disappointed, deceived, or even betrayed by others. In fact, the wounds that cut us the deepest are sometimes inflicted by those who are closest to our hearts. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." (John 15:18-20).  

We are to put our trust in the Lord to help us overcome all persecution that we face. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5: 8-12).   In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who saves those who will call on Him (Psalm 55:16-17). "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21).  

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Lord, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heavenbound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. In Jesus' name......Amen.  

Enjoy the rest of your day and weekend and a Happy Belated 4th to you all in ther USA. God Bless,
Christina
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