Dealing with Betrayal: Psalm 55

12  For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him.

13  But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.

14  We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.

15  Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.

From the book Good and Angry by David Powlison

Psalm 55 is about betrayal. Right in the middle of the Psalm we read that the suffering endured by the Psalmist is the result of a friend turning against him.

At today’s Dinner Table we are going to go through this exercise together and then discuss each step in groups.

Read Psalm 55

Underline all the phrases that resonate with experiences you had or are having. (social)

Using a different color underline all the phrases that express how you also have felt. (body, mind)

What will be the resulting emotions and effects on your body if you continue to wallow in this anger? (body, mind)

What do you believe, want, and fear that fuels your reactions to the situation you are in? (heart)

What is true about the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us? (God)

If you honestly seek God, how might he change your motives? (heart)

How would a change of belief in God affect your emotional state in this situation—as well as your body? (mind, body)

How will we now live? (social)