Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Charles Olaughlin from Shelbina, MO. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you.

Our text today is Judges 15:1-2

"After some days, at the time of wheat harvest, Samson went to visit his wife with a young goat. And he said, 'I will go in to my wife in the chamber.' But her father would not allow him to go in. And her father said, 'I really thought that you utterly hated her, so I gave her to your companion. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead.'" — Judges 15:1-2

Picture Samson walking up to his wife's home. He's holding a goat—his version of flowers and chocolates—ready to make things right. Maybe he's nervous. Maybe he's hopeful. But when he arrives, the door slams shut. Her father blocks the way: "She's gone. I gave her to another man. But hey—her younger sister's prettier. Take her instead."

That's not just rejection—that's betrayal. That's humiliation. Samson was replaced.

You've probably felt it too. Maybe not from a father-in-law who rejected you, but from someone who once promised loyalty, love, or friendship. A spouse who walked away. A friend who ghosted. A parent who didn't show up. A boss who passed you over. Betrayal makes you feel small, discarded, unwanted.

Know this: people's betrayal doesn't define your worth, because God's faithfulness never wavers.

When rejection strikes, our first instinct is to spiral into anger, bitterness, or even revenge. Samson will go there in the verses ahead. But God offers another way: let betrayal drive you into His arms. He is the Friend who never leaves. The Father who never abandons. The Bridegroom who never breaks covenant.

That wound of betrayal may always leave a scar, but it does not decide your story. God's promise does:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" — Hebrews 13:5.

So don't let rejection name you. Let God's faithfulness claim you.

ASK THIS:

1. Who has betrayed you in a way that still stings today?
2. How has rejection shaped the way you see yourself?
3. Do you believe God's faithfulness is stronger than people's failures?
4. What step can you take today to release bitterness and rest in His promises?

DO THIS:

• Write down the name of someone who betrayed or rejected you.
• Pray: "Lord, heal what they broke, and help me trust You more than I trust people."
• Read or say Hebrews 13:5 three times today as a reminder that God never abandons you.
• Share this truth with someone else who's wrestling with rejection.

PRAY THIS:

Father, You know the sting of betrayal better than anyone. When others fail me, remind me that You never will. Heal my wounds and anchor my worth in Your faithfulness. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Faithful Now."