Through the Heart

 

Psalm 55:12 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.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal,
    my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together;
    within God's house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them;
    let them go down to Sheol alive;
    for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.

We are used to seeing and hearing David cry out as he ran from those who pursued him: a jealous king, Saul, and his fearful enemies, the Philistines.  But here he faced the worst of all: a fellow member of God's people who had turned on him, spoke against him, and plotted for his demise.  Nothing hurts worse than being stabbed in the heart through the back.  Yet, David knows what he must do.  He cries out to God, knowing that there he will find shelter and deliverance. He reminds himself and his readers/hearers that God will hear and help. He writes that timeless reminder: 22 Cast your burden on the Lord,   and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.