TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend. Psalm 55:13
Read: Psalm 55:9-15
Listen: Psalm 55
TODAY’S MESSAGE
David doesn’t see the pain coming. An enemy doesn’t cause the wound but a close friend. Scholars think David writes Psalm 55 in the aftermath of a coup attempt by his son. One of David’s closest advisors leads the coup. It is a personal betrayal at the deepest level. The pain reverberates through every aspect of David’s life.
It’s often the people closest to us who can do the most damage. They know where we are vulnerable, and their betrayal hurts the most. David shows us how to respond by giving it to God. Jesus says something about it as well in Matthew 5:43-44. Jesus challenges us to find a way to love and pray for them. That doesn’t mean automatically letting them back into our inner circle, but it does mean asking God to help our hearts shift toward them. They may never change, but our hearts can. Relationships may never be restored, and we may carry the pain of that loss. But, we can free ourselves from the hold of bitterness and anger.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Recognize that only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we do what Jesus asks us to do—loving those who hurt us. Ask God for help today. Think of someone you struggle to forgive, and ask God to help turn your heart from anger and bitterness toward love.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Luke 14.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
