“So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God—there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.”
II Samuel 15:30-32 NKJV
The story of Absalom and David is a complicated, grievous, and devastating read. Rape, desolation, hatred, anger, murder, rejection, conspiracy, and, ultimately, betrayal fill three chapters.
Betrayal. There are few experiences more painful. And betrayal is, sadly, part of our human experience.
The question is not IF someone will betray us – it’s when. I don’t mean to sound cynical. However, as Believers, “light” and “dark” have nothing in common. As a result, we will lose relationships. People will deceive and abandon us. We will experience rejection and betrayal – how can we not? Christ did. And if we follow in His footsteps, we will too.
What then do we do and how do we respond when betrayal comes to us?
David worshipped. When David was betrayed, he escaped to the presence of G-d. He made the Ascent to the mountain. He went up. The first place David thought to go was the presence of G-d.
David grieved. He wept and covered his head in ashes. Grief is a natural – and necessary- response to betrayal.
David connected. He didn’t go alone. 600 men – both foreigners and Israelites- followed him out of the city and up to the place of worship. Though betrayal leaves us feeling utterly alone and forgotten, the reality is that we are not. And, there is strength and protection in numbers. Animals know this innately.
David prayed. He asked G-d to confuse the plans of the enemy (make the counsel of the advisors into foolishness) – he didn’t pray with vengeance or malice. He prayed a wise prayer. Recognizing that the enemy was at work, David sought counsel from the only One who could defeat him.
So back to my question – what do I do and how should I respond when betrayal comes my way?
Worship. Grieve. Connect. Pray.
Satan hates me. He hates you. He hates our families. He will come after us and our families. He will try to isolate us so he can pick us off. He will turn brother against brother, friend against friend. And when he does, we worship, grieve, connect, and pray, and go on.
While I pray betrayal never finds it’s way to us, it is comforting to know there is One who has gone before me. There is One who knows the ultimate betrayal. And He is the One who will never betray me and will never forsake me.
Father – thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for accepting and loving me. Thank You for making a way, for one like me, to be loved and made whole by One like You. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 13-15