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In Order. Betrayal, Prayer, Deliverance

IN ORDER…BETRAYAL, PRAYER, DELIVERANCE

PSALMS 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

MAY 16th

David has been betrayed by his closest advisors, military leaders and his own son. Because of the cunning of his son many innocent people have been deceived and are backing Absalom’s hostile takeover of David’s kingdom. David now gives words to his pain in these Psalms. 

Psalm 3.1-2 1 O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. 2 So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude 

David's situation was so bad people felt he was beyond God's help. They believed God was unwilling to help him because of his past sin and figured, "He is getting what he deserves from God”. Years ago I heard an old preacher say “Christians are the only people that shoot their wounded” David’s story and my experience leads me to think he was correct.

Psalm 55.12-14 

12 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.13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Psalm 55.20-21 

20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. 21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! 

Betrayal is hard enough to endure but add to that being forsaken by good friends, told you are useless, hopeless and God will not help you is devastating. The people who betrayed David will also betray the people they used to get what they wanted from David. Soon, they too will feel the sting of betrayal as well as the shame and embarrassment of being used to do evil to a good man.

Psalm 3.3-4

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

4 I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

Though the betrayers said there was no help for him in God, David knew that God was his shield. The “haters” could not shake David's confidence in a God of love and help. When you are under attack remember the Lord is for you and will deliver you!

Hebrews 4:16

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Psalm 3.8

8 Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude 

This shows heart of a godly leader. David wasn't only concerned for himself, but all God's people. He didn't pray for victory over Absalom’s betrayal for his own sake, but because it was best for the nation. David truly loved the Lord and the people of God. Going through a trial like betrayal will show you and others what is truly in your heart.

Psalm 55.22 

22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. 23 But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.

“Dear Lord give me discernment today so I may follow that which is good. May I be a true friend to those in need loyal to those who have been betrayed. May I trust in you when others wish me evil. Take my burdens of this day and take care of me for I am your servant and trust in you alone.”

 

Sal Sberna

Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more