They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere (v. 6, NLT).
Psalm 41 is about our detractors (once friends) who abandon us when we experience difficulties.
David writes …
Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me (v. 9).
Success brings friends, and defeat chases them away.
David had sinned, was sick, and was defeated. As King of Israel, his court was filled with the fawning of so-called friends.
But when David’s son, Absalom, trying to take over the throne, chased David from Jerusalem, the friends of the court were loyal only to the person who had power.
To them, David was expendable.
How many of us have experienced betrayal from former friends?
But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. “How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask (v. 5).
All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst (v. 7).
And how many of us felt like King David when he says …
Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! (v. 10)
I’m raising my hand, how about you?
When we have sinned and are defeated, let’s remember three things.
First: We played a part in the situation.
As David writes …
“O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you” (v. 4).
Second: God will always rescue us.
The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies (vv. 1-2).
Third: We will again praise God!
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen! (v. 13)
I’ve read Psalm 41 often through the years. While leading a church, I’ve experienced times of duress, often precipitated by my mistakes. Those who smiled and shook my hand on Sunday often led with accusations against my character and leadership.
I tried to do the following …
First: Keep as quiet as possible. Saying something often makes it worse.
Second: Stay patient, leaving time for God to work His will.
If I were right, then good sense would prevail, and if I were wrong, a confession from me would restore relationships with the good-hearted.
The bad-hearted would still leave the church, which was a good thing.
Third: A good leader must forgive, forget, and not keep a list of grievances. Not letting the sun go down upon anger is a must for leadership.
I give this testimony that I have many good friends who have stood with me through difficulty. King David did, too. You will as well.
Amen and Amen! Peace out.