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Frenemies: Psalm 55 (Day 131)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Psalm 55

While yesterday's psalm about enemies might have felt further from our day-to-day experience, perhaps today's psalm has more resonances. The 'enemy' mentioned at the start is revealed in verse 14 as a former friend. 

It's hard not to love the stream-of-consciousness vibe from this psalm, despite it following the format of a traditional lament. With the psalmist, we undulate through the panicked cries of verses 1–2; the fear and anxiety; with verses 6–7 noting the desire to escape, and after the positive outlook of the declaration of trust in God to save in verses 18–19, we return to the pain in verses 20–22.  

But we hear from the cry of verse 17 that this isn't a one-off arrow prayer: it's consistent praying in the Hebrew pattern of morning, noon and night – and for more than one day! When results haven't become visible, the psalmist still trusts God: that's the place to leave his burdens.  

When you're hurt by those closest to you, perhaps especially those you have worshipped alongside, it can be tempting to write off God, or church. But we needn’t. When feeling let down by friends, we can remember that Jesus was betrayed and let down by his friends too. We are not alone, and we pray to a God who understands.

Pray

Pray

Father, I lift up circumstances and friendships where I've been hurt and felt betrayed. Please bring me, and others involved, safely through and restore relationships.


This reflection was written by Helen Crawford, Bible Society's Digital Bible Experience Manager

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