The Pain of Betrayal

It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭55‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Against our enemies and strangers, we have safeguards. As we lock the door to our home at night or when away, so we keep a padlock on the door to our hearts. But there are a select few that we give a key—a way to check on us and help care for us. To these few we are vulnerable.

Vulnerability allows for different things. When we undergo surgery, all of our extremities are exposed. We are naked and unconscious, and the surgeon could cause intentional harm. But we place our trust in the surgeon, becoming vulnerable to the blade that we might be healed.

If you were a knight with a squire, you would place your trust in them to ensure that all of your armor is secure. In that state of vulnerability, your life is in their hands. While your back is turned, waiting for them to fasten a buckle, they could easily run you through with your own sword. It is trust that enables vulnerability.

That is why pain inflicted by the companion is so great. We expect an assault from an enemy. It is no surprise when adversaries seek our downfall. But to be hurt so deeply by one who had taken a vow to remain by your side no matter the circumstance… it is the epitome of cruelty. To be intentionally hurt by one who swore to keep your heart close theirs is a pain of pains.

For those who have gone through the agony of betrayal, it often becomes difficult to trust again. It is incredibly difficult to forgive. When the anger rises, we must seek the counsel of God and give Him our deepest, darkest thoughts and hurts—He knows them anyway. Be honest with how you feel. He knows the pain of betrayal better than you. Billions have turned their hearts and faces from Him, yet He still loves and still shows us great patience. May we learn to be more like Him and learn to love those who have hurt us.

Let me pray for you.

Father,

I pray for those recovering from a deep wound caused by a friend or loved one. In the confusion of it all, bring peace. In the hurting, bring healing. In the bitterness, bring joy. In the sorrowful nights, hold them close to Your heart. In the hopelessness, restore the bright hope for tomorrow. In the loneliness, send Your Holy Spirit to be their greatest Companion and Helper. In the agony, bless them with the friendship of Jesus, for we will find no greater friend than the one who died to cover our sins and resurrected to provide us a new a better life. May they trust You in all things, for You mete out justice and mercy as you see fit. May You not put those who hope in You to shame. May You restore their soul. May they learn to trust again. May Your perfect will be done.

In Jesus’ name I ask these things,

Amen. Let it be so.

Non Nobis Nati