John* and Susie* were high school sweethearts who married shortly after Susie graduated, but soon thereafter their relationship changed.
Once so in love with John, Susie suddenly became distant. Her unhappiness showed up in crying spells and aversions to his attempts to show her affection. After six months, she walked out telling him, “I don’t love you anymore.” John quickly discovered a disturbing secret. Susie had been unfaithful with one of his work associates. Broken trust sent John to the brink of depression, and he delved into harmful habits hoping they would lessen his pain.
David was familiar with broken trust. He had been a faithful warrior in Saul’s army and had helped him defeat his enemies. Now the king was rewarding him by running him out of the kingdom, giving his wife to another man and by threatening his life. David, however, trusted God for deliverance. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you (Psalm 143:8).
Broken trust-especially when it emanates from people we’re in a close relationship with, can precipitate mild or even severe periods of depression. These may be accompanied by disbelief and misunderstanding over how someone we love and who supposedly loves us could hurt us so badly.
Regardless of how many others betray our trust, God never will. He’s a friend that sticks closer than a sibling and the greatest source of comfort we’ll ever discover. When others hurt us through betrayal, we can turn to God for a healing that can’t be found in any other source. If someone has betrayed you and sent you into a tailspin of depression, let God heal your emotional struggle by teaching you how to trust again.
Prayer: Thank You loving Savior for standing by us even when others don’t.
*Names changed to protect the privacy of the individual.*
Martin,
ReplyDeleteYou're right -- betrayal is hard.Reading your post reminded me that Jesus was betrayed by someone he loved, too. When we face the pain of betrayal, somehow it helps to know that "he has borne our sorrows," and is waiting with open arms to help us in our pain. Thanks for sharing!