April 27
________________________________________
PSALM 55 -GOD SAVES THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM
12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me, then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.
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 55:12-19
________________________________________
BETRAYALS FROM A FRIEND by ILMA
When the enemy attacks or mocks me, it is anticipated
But when my closest friend does this, it is so unexpected
In true friendships, they commit to open up their hearts
All that you can give them, you will likely offer and share.
But if this friend deceives and betrays your trust, it hurts
It is as painful as a stab right through your already wounded heart
I cry out to God for comfort in this time of grief from this relationship
Lord, give me strength to forgive and move on to your next calling.
May you take pity on my soul that is so full of pain and sorrow
Pull me out of this pit that can easily lead and drag me to Sheol
Deliver and redeem me from this battlefield that is in my mind
Renew and restore my crushed spirit so it can once again trust.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why are betrayals between friends such a painful experience and process?
• What is the antidote to the deep hurt from betrayals from very close friends?