This Psalm of David speaks of great pressure that he is under because of opposition and the evil that he sees all around him (v1-5, 9-11). He longs for the wings of a dove to fly away from the trouble he faces (v6-8).

The Psalm takes an unexpected twist when he speaks of how it was a friend who was the one who was attacking him (v12-15).  This is one who he previously had sweet times with and this makes it so much more painful.

This friend had smooth words but war and hatred were in his heart (v20-21). We of course can’t read this Psalm without thinking of Jesus and the betrayal he experienced from Judas who was a close friend.

If you are feeling betrayed by family, by friends, by even another Christian, learn from this Psalm and throw yourself on the Lord (v16-19). He is strong enough to take our burdens and to sustain us in the most difficult of days (v22). In the light of this, it is those who deal treacherously with us who are to be pitied (v23). Their future doesn’t look bright.

Our calling in these trying days is to remain faithful to the Lord, to show love and grace in our actions and words. These will only come from a heart that ahs been truly touched and is in touch with the grace and love of Christ.