Psalm 55
The Betrayal
He was one of the best at what he did - courageous, talented, and respected. He was a leader whose accomplishments were legendary. His contemporaries respected him and though he carried a tinge of arrogance, he rarely disappointed.
Then everything changed. He was injured, and it was severe. While he desperately desired to return to his job, his friends and colleagues urged him to continue healing. As the world moved on without him, he sank into hurt and depression.
Then, he met her. She worked for the other side. Over time, she won his heart and became his wife. Soon after those who were once his friends looked different to him. Feeling financial difficulties, combined with perceived slights from those he once respected, he chose to switch allegiances.
In the business world, this might seem minor. It takes on a different light when the man is a soldier. This one was no ordinary soldier. He was a general, a war hero and a traitor. His name was Benedict Arnold.
Psalm 55 is a raw song of betrayal. David mourns the pain of a close friend turning against him:
“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.
But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng”
(vv. 12–14).
David had experienced multiple betrayals — some by family, others by longtime friends. Betrayal is a bitter pill. It cuts deeper than physical wounds and leaves scars that never fully fade.
The betrayer went so far as to violate covenant, stretch out his hand against David’s friends, and speak lies (vv. 20–21). Such pain can make us angry and vengeful. Yet David’s response is different. Instead of lashing out, he turns to God:
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
he will never permit the righteous to be moved…
I will trust in you” (vv. 22–23).
We too may face deep betrayal — when those closest to us hurt us in ways we never imagined. In those moments of hurt, frustration, and anger, remember this: Do not let the betrayer’s actions define you or destroy your character. Put your faith in the Lord. Cast your burdens on Him. Trust Him to sustain you and fight for you.
The end of the story will be greater than the beginning, for God is always worthy of your praise.
If you would like a more detailed discussion of the psalm, check out my video below.