But I call upon God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice. He will redeem me unharmed from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. God, who is enthroned from of old, will hear, and will humble them – because they do not change, and do not fear God.

My companion laid hands on a friend and violated a covenant with me with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords.

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

But you, O God, will cast them down into the lowest pit; the bloodthirsty and treacherous shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

Psalm 55:16-23

If you have experienced an intense feeling of loss, you will appreciate the words of David, penned during a painful time in his life. He was oppressed by the wicked, hated by his enemies, and betrayed by a friend.

Instead of caving into fear, he poured out his heart to God.

Prayer lifts our eyes from personal tragedy to the compassion of God. It enables us to cast our burdens on the Lord instead of breaking under their weight. When our hearts are filled with pain, it is good to call on God in prayer – morning, noon, and night.

In prayer, God hears more than words;

He listens to your heart.

Our Daily Bread – August 4, 2004