In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. (Psalm 109:4)
Have you ever cared for someone only to have them turn on you? David knows how you feel. Those in his life who he blessed used their words to attack him. In response to their attacks, David turned to God in prayer. He looked to God for deliverance (v26) and to God for justice (v29). He ends his psalm resting in God’s faithfulness to protect the vulnerable (v31).
The Son of David, Jesus, also experienced attacks from those He cared for. He came to His own people who did not receive Him. The religious leaders who should have worshipped Him, sought instead to kill Him. And one of his own disciples sold Him out to be arrested and put to death. Yet, this was all part of God’s plan to redeem His people.
Jesus understands betrayal and attacks from within. Because He is fully human, He can fully sympathize with you, but because He is fully God, He is able to help you. So go to Him in prayer when other “talk stink” about you and ask Him to strengthen you to serve and pray for those who mistreat you.