A Wartime Prayer - Psalm 55

In my devotions this week I came across the following passage in Psalm 55:21. It reads: “He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
I thought of this passage as Russia makes its advances on Ukraine. A nation at peace since breaking free from Russian on August 24, 1991, now being overrun. A truce of sorts was broken. Words of peace were expressed but the plan of war was laid out months before. Their words said one thing, all the while their swords were drawn.
Now this passage was written over 2900 years ago by King David regarding his son Absalom and his close advisor Ahithophel. Both were attempting to overthrow the kingdom and to kill David the king. It’s a heart wrenching Psalm of betrayal, and of war. In it we see David’s wounded heart as he seeks rescue, strength, and peace from the Lord.
As I mediated on this passage, I realized that betrayal and warfare have been with us from the beginning of time. It may result in mortal combat as we see unfolding in Ukraine and as it did in King David’s day.
Or it may be some hurtful betray that explodes into a warfare in the home between a husband and wife, or between parents and siblings, or between brothers and sister or in the power moves that take place at work as people via for position, power, or money, or between family and or friends.