How to Deal With the Fear of Betrayal - By Donna L Young
Do you fear being betrayed? How can you deal with this fear?
Betrayal is not a new concept. In fact, the act of betrayal goes back thousands of years. For example, in the Old Testament, we read about David's experience with betrayal. In Psalm 55:12-13, David explains,
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance (NKJV).
Further, in 1 Chronicles 12:17 David says, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since [there is] no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment (NKJV)."
Still, the most famous betrayal is found in the Gospels of the New Testament. In these Gospels, believers can read about how Jesus Christ Himself, was betrayed by a friend and follower named Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16 NKJV).
Therefore, it is entirely possible that one day you may find yourself feeling betrayed too. So what can you do?
- First, consult your own heart. Do you have a clear conscious that you have done no wrong to your enemies? If you are at fault, admit it. However, if you have done nothing to offend the betrayer, remember, God is a friend to the pure of heart (Proverbs 22:11).
- Next, turn to Scripture: Leviticus 26:6-8 says, "I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you (NKJV)."
- Next, follow the example Christ set and remain obedient to God!
- Finally, pray that God will restore peace in your heart.
A Perfect Example
When I chose to leave my prior employer, I knew I was not only leaving my job, but I was also leaving behind a fellow believer, colleague and friend. As friends often do, we committed to staying in touch. Yet, even before my final day on the job, our friendship felt strained.
Within a month or so, I noticed changes in her behavior. Perhaps it was her attempt to remain loyal to the employer that caused her to change. Unlike before, in conversations, I felt blamed, judged and attacked.
What did I do?
- First, I consulted my own heart. I tried to humbly consider anything I had done to deserve the disloyalty and attacks. I asked God to forgive me.
- Next, I turned to Scripture for Guidance. After each situation that left me feeling betrayed, I opened my bible. God led me to read Proverbs. By reading Proverbs, I discovered that wicked people strengthen one another in wicked ways (Proverbs 28:4). While my friend had not been a wicked person in the past, she now seemed to be deliberately acting against the known will of God. I felt compassion for my friend and began to pray that she would return to a state of reverence.
- Finally, I confronted my friend and expressed how hurt I was by her behavior. She seemed unable to hear me. So, I remained obedient to God and I prayed for her.
What was the Outcome?
The same week I began to pray for my friend, three godly women of faith from my church congregation approached me. Each woman separately told me how important I am to the Lord's work and to them. Amazing!
Then, I started to received emails with daily verses which seemed to distinguish my walk from my friend's. One verse in particular spoke to me. I read, "The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed (Titus 2:3-5 NKJV)."
Was God preparing me for the next part of my journey into a deeper relationship with Him? I wondered, "Could I have furthered my walk with Him by remaining in the same relationships?" I accepted the invitation to fellowship with those godly women from my church. Instantly, I knew I was on the right path.
Donna L. Young graduated from Liberty Baptist University with a Masters Degree in Theological Studies and is the Author of the book "Apologies from a Repentant Christian." To learn more about this author, please visit: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_L_Young Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6481059
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