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This is tough. When a friend betrays us, it is so very painful. I can take it when trolls attack me. I expect the devil to make a run at me. I am shocked when it is my best friend who betrays me. It is beyond the pale.

Some days it is fellow disciples of Jesus on the attack. I am shocked. The other day a Christian took off at me on Twitter. It hurt and it looked bad to others we are trying to reach. The world is watching to see if I walk the walk. This is for keeps.

This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me — I could take that. This isn’t a foreign devil spitting invective — I could tune that out. It’s you! We grew up together! You! My best friend! Those long hours of leisure as we walked arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation. | Psalm 55:12-14 (The Message Bible)

it is not an enemy that taunts me: King David claims that he can deal with the taunts of the person who hates him, i.e., an advisary. That is to be expected.

that magnifies himself: The Hebrew word used here, gadal, means “to exalt” or “to magnify”. Here, it carries the sense of people who exalt themselves at the expense of another.

my friend: The Hebrew word used here, alluph, refers to a close friend. In Prov 2:17, it describes a spouse, although that is probably not intended here.

confidant The Hebrew word used here, meyudda’, can indicate a relative or a close advisor or confidant.

would take sweet counsel: The Hebrew word used here, sod, can refer to a circle of confidants or a council. Here, it reflects the unity between the psalmist and his friend.

in the house of God: The psalmist describes the fellowship he used to enjoy with his friend by indicating that they went to the temple together to worship at festivals.

So, what is the answer? It comes later in this Psalm. God is the answer. I must let God take it own for me. I must, absolutely must, trust in God. That is my prayer.

So, what is the answer? It comes later in this Psalm. God is the answer. I have to let God take it on for me. I must, absolutely must, trust in God. That is my prayer.

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders — he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog, Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half. And I trust in you.