How to get over a betrayal (Part 1)

oge okonkwo

March 1, 2015 1:15 PM

When we have betrayed by a loved one, the best we can do to get over our grief is by turning to God to gradually ease us off the pain

Bible verse for today: Psalm 55:13 "But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend" (NIV).

Nothing hurts as much as being betrayed by a trusted friend. Betrayal can come from anyone which is why we are warned in the bible against trusting man when God can supply our needs.

When we have betrayed by a loved one, the best we can do to get over our grief is by turning to God to gradually ease us off the pain.

Learning how to talk to God about can be one way to ease the painful burden off our shoulders, giving him absolute control of our situation.

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says:

No dagger strikes as deeply as the thrust of betrayal. Maybe you identify with David’s story of treachery. It’s the cry of a wounded heart, a desperate prayer for relief. He’s overwhelmed and shaken to the core. If it had been an enemy ‘…then I could bear it…’ (v. 12 NKJV). But it was ‘my closest friend, the one I trusted most. We enjoyed being together, and we went…to your house, our God’ (vv. 13-14 CEV). It was a bitter pill to swallow—his bosom pal, the last one he’d ever suspect, the person he trusted with his deepest secrets, a brother in the faith and fellow worshipper! No wonder his heart was broken. He was in a life-threatening position because of a covenant-breaking friend. ‘As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!’ (vv. 20-21 NLT).

How does David get beyond his grief? By doing these three things: 1) He acknowledges it. He verbalises the emotions he’s experiencing. 2) He talks to God about it. Instead of faking pseudo-courage, he shares his anguish with God. ‘Morning, noon, and night my complaints and groans go up to Him, and He will hear my voice’ (v. 17 GNT). 3) He turns his situation over to God. ‘Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—He’ll carry your load…He'll never let good people topple into ruin…’ (v. 22 TM). Today, do those three things and you’ll get back on track again.

oge okonkwo