The assault of evil is never worse than when it is delivered by a friend. In Psalm 41:9, David laments that his trusted friend had lifted up his heel against him, foreshadowing the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Imagine Jesus as He knows that Judas will sell Him out shortly after the Last Supper. Yet still He takes time to portray the selfless love of foot-washing with His disciples (see John 13:1-30). Imagine your own response to a Christian brother or sister who is undermining your professional leadership or spreading a falsehood about you.
Placing your foundation on the Rock means laying down your life for others despite the cost. It means enduring betrayal with grace and humility, knowing that God is producing fruit in your life. When you call upon the Lord, it is genuine. When your world gets shaken, your roots are firm. When asked to do God’s will, you come through. Where there is hatred, you return love.
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39).