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When persecution must yield to praise.
July 16, 2020
When persecution must yield to praise
Psalm 22 – When persecution must yield to praise.
Some think it strange that others reject them for their faith in the one true God. Some
speak of their love for Christ and then are offended when others falsely speak evil of them. It is
difficult at times to stand alone in the position of biblical truths among associates or
acquaintances. It is not uncommon among followers of Jesus to endure physical mistreatment
because of their association with Him. David experienced it. Jesus experienced it. And, so shall
we. Reproach, unjustified criticism, ridicule and/or persecution are not optional, but will be
experienced by all God-lovers. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Yet, such times are not times for avoiding but embracing God, for it
is in such times that He draws near. And the surest way to know His nearness is to offer prayer
and praise for His holy faithfulness. The psalmist testified to that when he proclaimed, “But
Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (vs.3). This chapter is one of the most
poignant examples of the heights and depths God’s children can experience, but it is made
abundantly clear that God is where His praises are.
Challenge: Neither fear nor shrink back from the threat of persecution but wear it gladly as a
badge for righteous living. Do nothing to purposely provoke it, but, do not avoid it either. You
should live the gospel, and if the gospel offends and persecution follows, “Rejoice, and be
exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:12). However, take warning to never
offend in word or deed, for there is no glory in personal offenses for those who bear the name of
Christ (Jas. 3:2). Evade at every cost mishandling the Word of Christ through your demeanor,
lest you bring upon yourself justifiable reproach and warranted persecution from the enemies of
Christ. It is not your persecution that makes you holy. It is the precious name of Jesus. Christian,
if you have chosen to make His name your own, then protect it with honorable godly living.
Allow each difficult time to remind you of the need to draw ever nearer to Christ. Difficulty can
only bring dread if you do not. If persecution is used as a prompt for praise, any prison bars of
hardship can be shaken to their foundation and the bonds of oppression broken. Remember what
Paul and Silas’ prayers and praise singing yielded while in prison (Acts 16:25-26)? God stands
ready to do the same for us.
Prayer: Father, help me bear any suffering gladly for the sake of Jesus Christ. Remind me often
of the unjustified persecution He endured so that I could by faith join His family, bear His name
and partake of untold blessings. I pray that I might bear the name Christian worthily in the face
of rejection, harassment or maltreatment. Give me the boldness I need to respond in love toward
a persecutor who needs to see Your love most through me. And give me a heart of prayer and
praising in both the best and worst of times. In the name of Jesus I ask it. Amen.
God’s blessings on your day!
Bluffton North Ministry Group
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