Ridicule can easily cause discouragement. The people of God are often subjected to ridicule, and Jesus warned that his followers would be persecuted. Christians are easy targets for this, and I have been insulted for my faith. The ridicule may be for doing what is right, for not joining in, for being different, or perhaps for believing in something unseen. Some may accuse us of being narrow-minded or intolerant when we take the stand that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Ridicule from those we love can hurt the most. 

 

David did not allow the ridicule from his enemies to result in discouragement. In fact, he continued his efforts, succeeded, and flourished because “the Lord God Almighty was with him” (vs. 10). When we suffer as Christians, God will give us strength. The Lord God Almighty will be with us and we can count on overcoming. This may not mean an immediate victory in each situation we face, but God always has the long view. Whether we see immediate results like David here, or whether we only realize how God was working from the perspective of eternity, God’s servant inevitably overcomes. God was not only with David, but he also provided him with reassurance (vs. 12). God will provide us with reassurance when we are following Him. This may be the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit encouraging us, or confirmation from external circumstances or from fellow Christians. The Holy Spirit’s encouragement will be amplified when we study the Scriptures and we will have more opportunity for confirmation from fellow Christians when we meet regularly (especially in community groups). My prayer is that each of us will not allow ridicule or persecution to cause discouragement, but will follow Jesus unswervingly, know God’s presence, and hear His voice. 

 

A fellow traveler, 

 

Bill