DEALING WITH BETRAYAL

David wrote Psalm 109 during a time of slander and false accusations against him. He prayed to God, "O God, whom I praise, don't stand silent and aloof while the wicked slander me and tell lies about me. They surround me with hateful words and fight against me for no reason. I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them! They repay evil for good, and hatred for my love. (Psalm 109:1-5)." David was in pain, not because of a physical attack, but because he was being betrayed by those whom he loved. Our Lord Jesus experienced the same way when Judas, one of His chosen disciples, betrayed Him. Jesus chose and loved Judas from the beginning. Although He knew that Judas would betray Him, He did not attack or hurt Judas, but He gave Judas plenty of time to change his heart. In the end, Judas chose to betray Jesus, and after betraying Jesus, he felt ashamed and remorseful of what he had done because he realized that Jesus was innocent; thus, he committed suicide. However, before Jesus died on the cross, He prayed for those who persecuted Him. He prayed, "'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots (Luke 23:34)."

It can be very difficult to forgive those we loved and trusted who have betrayed us. We can be tempted to respond with anger, rage, and resentment. However, the godly response is to rely on God and let God make everything right. David relied on God in his situation. He prayed, "Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord. Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing! (Psalm 109:26-28)" We need to understand that what matters is what God thinks of us. He knows the truth, and the truth always stands. The wonderful hope that we have as Christians is that our Lord Jesus will make everything right in the end. Being betrayed is indeed very painful, but we have a God who loves and fights for us. We need to continue to pray that those who betrayed us will repent and surrender their lives back to God. As difficult as it can be, we need to pray for reconciliation, as this is God's will.

Remember that our Lord Jesus was also betrayed. God will give us the strength to forgive and pray for those who betrayed so that they will come to repentance for reconciliation. Anger, rage, and resentment only lead to division and pain, but forgiveness leads to life, peace, and freedom. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What must I do when I am betrayed? What does God want me to do in dealing with betrayal? Am I willing to forgive and pray for those who betrayed me?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, you are the God of comfort and love. You understand how painful it is to be betrayed, and you don't minimize my hurts. However, you want me to forgive and pray for those who betrayed me. Please give me the courage and strength to forgive and surrender everything to you, for you will make everything right. Please help me let go of anger, rage, and resentment, and replace them with love and forgiveness. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.