Betrayed But Never Forsaken
What David teaches us about betrayal in Psalm 55
Mentoring or working alongside Afghan security forces posed considerable risks to our team. Beyond the obvious threats from Taliban and ISIS attacks, the greatest danger often came from within—what we called the "insider threat," or green-on-blue attacks.
This was our primary threat. In some situations, ISIS would capture the families of our Afghan counterparts and force them to collect sensitive information—weapon capabilities, soldier counts, unit movements—and deliver it back to them. In extreme cases, some Afghan soldiers were coerced into missions to assassinate key leaders among U.S. forces.
Some of those attacks succeeded. But thanks to relentless training and the vigilance of U.S. forces, many attempts were intercepted and neutralized.
In King David’s time, he too faced betrayal—often from within. Yet because of Yahweh, he was not only protected but preserved. David’s response to betrayal teaches us how to process the deepest wounds of treachery, and reminds us that relationship with God triumphs over any weapon formed against us.
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.”
—Psalm 55:1–2 (NIV)
"Listen..."
That sounds like my three-year-old: "Listen, Dadda!" (Haha.)
But there’s power in David’s lament. He knows he can approach the Almighty—not in timid formality but in relational boldness. He’s talking to Yahweh like Abba. Because He is.
David’s devotion to God had prepared him for betrayal. His relationship with Yahweh was strong enough to carry him through the worst-case scenarios—his own version of green-on-blue.
Then David shifts. He brings down the hammer:
“Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.”
—Psalm 55:9 (NIV)
Wait—what about loving your enemies?
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
—Matthew 5:44
Yes, Jesus commands that. But David isn’t being disobedient—he’s being honest. He’s pouring out his full heart. He’s also defending God’s people. There’s a righteous place for bringing anger and anguish to God’s throne. If we don’t, those emotions will rot unspoken in our hearts, growing into bitterness and confusion.
David ultimately understood the fate of the wicked. That’s why he could close the psalm with just four words:
"I trust in You."
The original audience would’ve found comfort and courage in this psalm. They’d see the humility of their king and the fruit of deep relationship with Yahweh. It was a comfort for the faithful—and a warning to the wicked.
So What Does It Mean for You and Me?
Never Finished Challenge: TRUST
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper."
—Isaiah 54:17
1. Relationship First
"Abide in Me, and I in you." —John 15:4
The more we focus on our relationship with Jesus, the more our trust grows. When storms hit, our courage won’t be defined by passing emotions. We’ll stand firm in the One who never changes. Like David, we’ll say, “I trust in You.”
2. Give Him Everything
What’s in your heart? Give it to Him.
Tell God how angry that comment made you. Tell Him about the lust, the resentment, the temptation. Whatever it is—bring it into the light.
Then declare His promises over it.
Just as David declared how evil would be handled, you too can declare God’s promises about temptation, forgiveness, or fear.
3. Let God Shape Your Relationships
As you focus on your relationship with God, every other relationship—your marriage, friendships, coworkers, even enemies—will begin to shift under His direction. Why? Because the Sovereign Creator has access to what you surrender to Him.
What Does Today Say About God?
He can take all my junk—and more.
I still struggle when people use me like an emotional trash can. But God never does.
He says, "Bring it to Me."
Not only does He take my trash—He transforms it. He turns broken pieces into beautiful declarations of grace. The art of redemption. The kind of masterpiece that tells His story. And, somehow, I am transformed in the process.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s humbling. But it’s real.
And this love—this relentless, receiving, refining, unconditional love—has always been there. Before the foundation of the world. Before I ever chose Him.
Goodness.
What a King.
What a Savior.
What a Father.
Thank You, Jesus.