DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JULY 28, 2026
READ: Psalm 55 (Focus 12-20)
MEMORY VERSE
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it…But it is you, . . . my close friend.” Psalm 55:12-13
BACKGROUND
In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.
As anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11).
The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).
How should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15).
We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).
Can a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away.
As God helps us, let’s treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.
Sheridan Voysey*
INSIGHT
David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain (Psalm 55:4-5) caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (vv. 13-14).
Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain. He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he thought would provide him with a safe place of refuge (vv. 6-8).
Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe (vv. 16-18). He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v. 22 nlt).
Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we’re experiencing the pain of a betrayed relationship. He provides grace as we trust in Him for repentance and healing.
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
Why would it have been wrong for Nel to stay friends with Sula? How can Jesus’ response to Judas help us keep reconciliation open?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival (but) God hears us and pursues us when we’re experiencing the pain of a betrayed relationship. He provides grace as we trust in Him for repentance and healing.
PR’s TAKE
“Each betrayal begins with trust” Martin Luther
“When you betray somebody else, (especially) a friend you also betray yourself.” Issac Singer
PRAYER
“Dear God, please empower me by Your Spirit to be a faithful, trustworthy friend.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS”
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
You will find a solace there.
