With Friends Like These . . .

Read Psalms 57:1–59:17

1. Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.
2. Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers.
3. They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord, though I have not sinned or offended them.
4. I have done nothing wrong, yet they prepare to attack me. Wake up! See what is happening and help me!
5. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, wake up and punish those hostile nations. Show no mercy to wicked traitors.
6. They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.
7. Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.
8. But Lord, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations.
9. You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me. Psalm 59:1-9

Betrayal from a close friend or relative often results in a significant turning point in life. Devastated and angry, we wonder how we could have ever trusted that person in the first place. What is worse, though, is that this one experience may affect our future relationships. Will we ever trust anyone again?

Few people know what it is like to be betrayed better than David. In Psalm 59, David prays to God for protection from those who have turned against him. Yes, he has been betrayed. This is his prayer—it’s also his solution. We can learn from his example.

The other psalms in this reading provide prayers for healing and examples for scarred and beaten pilgrims who are looking for a reason believe. They speak of enjoying God’s faithful love and help in times of trouble (Psalm 57), and leaving ultimate justice in God’s hands (Psalm 58).

David was hunted by those whose love had turned to jealousy, and this was driving them to try to murder him (Psalm 59:1-4). Trusted friends, and even one of David’s sons, had turned against him. Despite the fact that their love for David had eroded, God’s love for him was constant. David knew that he could count on God to deliver him from his enemies.

When people betray and hurt you, remember that God still loves you and that he will never betray you. So rest in his enduring love, even if you feel that he is allowing bad things to happen to you. When the situation passes, you will be able to see that God was with you, sustaining you through the whole ordeal.