The great philosopher Linus, as drawn by Charles Schultz, once remarked, “I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand.’
All of us have experienced that moment. David expressed his moment in Psalm 55. The specifics aren’t mentioned, but we all know it’s like to have a close friend turn on us. Our instinct, like David’s, is to ‘fly away and be at rest.’
But flying (or running) away doesn’t resolve the issue. Hiding only magnifies the pain of loss. One of Jesus’ earliest followers knew what it was like to both be betrayed and be the betrayer. (You can read about Peter’s betrayal in Luke 22:54-62.) As Peter wrote to believers scattered across the Roman Empire he encouraged them with words similar to words David written in this prayer – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7, HCSB).
When hurt comes, pray. Let God hear your hurt, your pain. Let God hear your anger, your anguish, your disappointment, your disillusionment. These experiences magnify the trustworthiness of God so that with David we can say, ‘I will trust in You’ (Psalm 55:23b).
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 