“For it is not an enemy that taunts me-then I could bear it; it is not an adversary that deals insolently with me-than I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.”
~Psalm 55:12-14
Comment:
This psalm was written by David when he was in the midst of the whole kerfuffle with his son, Absalom. His greatest friend and adviser, Ahithophel had turned against him as well and took sides with Absalom.
Now, I want you to pay close attention to this verse. Read what it says. In the context of this psalm, David’s own family and tribe had turned against him. It’s true that in 2 Samuel 12, the Lord told David that the sword would never leave his house because of his sin with Bathsheba, but just look at the story of Absalom in 2 Samuel 16 and read this psalm. Can you imagine the pain of having your most beloved friend and son turn against you? I mean in 2 Samuel 16:23, it tells us that to ask advice of Ahithophel was as if one consulted the word of God!
Some of us may think that this friend against friend thing only happens on occasion. Our friend groups are so tightly knit and loving that we are surprised if we say something and suddenly fall out with people we thought loved us. Let me just tell you something that is spoken of in the Bible.
When you speak the truth, people you once thought were friends will turn against you. We must expect that. People enjoy their sin. They don’t like to hear the truth and we must risk losing friends and loved ones if we want to stay loyal to the truth.
In conclusion, let me just say this. Don’t let the fear of losing those you love keep you from proclaiming the truth. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you and another have fallen out because of the spoken truth, lean on God. David had to flee for his life at the hand of his own son and yet he still kept his eyes and heart on the Lord. When you are troubled, seek God like David. Don’t succumb to the enemy’s lies.
~Lily
