“He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me.” ~ Psalm 55:18
REFERENCE:
Betrayal by a trusted ally or family member is one of the most painful experiences you could ever have. The physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional trauma and shock. You wonder, “How did I get here? What did I miss? What did I do to deserve this? Why did s/he do this?”
Our last episode revealed bible characters that got betrayed: Jesus, Job, Joseph, and David, our main character. The good thing with these people is that the hurt or betrayal they suffered stopped nothing of God’s plan for their lives; they still became celebrated heroes. How do you handle betrayal? Especially when you desire to get even. David, in his pain, wished his betrayer death (vs.15), but his focus later changed. So, how do we bounce back from betrayal?
- Stay Calm: This is difficult, but choose to look away from the ‘storm’ unto Jesus. If your mind is on the event, you will be angry, have sleepless nights, and transfer aggression to your loved ones.
- Pray: David said, “I will call upon God.” Praying at such times is not easy, but you still need God’s help. Pray that God will keep you in peace, convict the person, and intervene to turn it for your good. David said he would pray three times a day; pray because you are in a desperate place.
- See God at work: Know that the experience did not take God by surprise; He will bring beauty out of your ashes. Joseph said, “You meant it for evil, but God turned it for good.” Jesus said, “The Son of Man must be betrayed…but He will rise again.” They both saw that God would work His purpose through their pain. Don’t despair, God will turn it for good.
- Cast your burden on the Lord: Chances are, the betrayal has put you in a place of loss, lack or deficit in relationships or resources, maybe even mentally. Whatever burden it has brought you, cast it on God. He will sustain you. He has other resources to help you, other people to love you, and other channels of blessings. Do not despair.
- Be better, don’t be bitter: Avoid bitterness as it can shut God out from helping you. Ask God for grace to forgive. See the betrayer as a road sign, not a roadblock on your road to destiny. Joseph’s choice to forgive played a part in getting him to the throne. Forgiveness does not excuse their behavior; it prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.
All these may be difficult to do, especially when the experience is still fresh; but begin by taking little steps towards your healing. It’s ok to cry or even sulk, but don’t stay there too long. God will redeem your soul in peace from every battle. He will restore you and cause you to see happier days. You will make it, and those who hurt you will fall at your feet, in Jesus’ name.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS
Isaiah 60:14-18 & Romans 12:17-21
PRAYERS
+ Lord, give me the grace to stay calm and keep my focus on You through the pain of betrayal.
+ I free my heart of every need to revenge; vengeance is Yours, O Lord. I freely forgive my betrayer.
+ I see You at work in this season of my life. What men meant to destroy me will lead to my enthronement.
Load teach me, give me the grace and wisdom to be calm in any hitted situation. Make me understand that your peace is more important than any point I want to prove. Amen
Wow! God’s peace is more important than any point we may want to prove. God help us.
“Forgiveness does not excuse their behavior; it prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.”
What a great way to see the need to forgive.
Amen!