"I Downsized My Girlfriend Out of Her Job! (Psalms 55:12-14)

Many years ago, I was on staff at a hospital that was going through a painful round of budget cuts and downsizing. Every department in the hospital, including the laboratory, was targeted. A young man, with a freshly minted M.B.A., arrived with his entourage. He had been hired by the hospital to lead the downsizing efforts. He was an excellent example of zeal without knowledge. Although he was well-versed in number crunching and improving the bottom line, he had absolutely no experience in the nuances of laboratory workflow and instrumentation. Some of the recommendations he made were not only ludicrous, it also violated accepted federal laboratory regulatory standards and guidelines. Undaunted, he pushed on toward his goal of downsizing. In a reflective moment, he grinned and boasted, “Yeah, on the last assignment I had, I downsized my girlfriend out of her job!”

What a great catch he was!

Betrayal. We all know what it is and probably have all experienced it. The last thing this man’s girlfriend was expecting was that he would betray her by eliminating her job.

For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng.
Psalms 55:12-14 (ESV)

The Bible reminds us that God understands what it means to be betrayed. In this psalm, David laments his betrayal by a close friend. What hope is there in this life when this happens? God answered David a few verses later.

But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.
Psalms 55: 16-17 (ESV)

God sees us, hears our complaints, and knows our suffering. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was betrayed by one of His own disciples. The rest of the disciples fled from Him in His moment of greatest need. Yes, God does know our suffering when we are betrayed. But He also has the answer. If you confess your sins to Him, repent, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, He will save your soul. The betrayal will not disappear but the sting and pain will be replaced by His peace and love.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.