How can Psalm 123:4 guide us in dealing with societal disdain today? Psalm 123:4—The Cry of the Faithful “We have endured much scorn from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.” Seeing Our Own Day in the Psalm • The “proud” and the “arrogant” are everywhere today—mocking biblical convictions, belittling Christ‐centered morality, and labeling godly living as “out of touch.” • The psalmist’s complaint is not exaggerated; it is a literal description of believers’ experience across history (2 Timothy 3:12). • Knowing Scripture records the same hostility we face reassures us that none of this catches God off guard. Lifting Our Eyes, Not Our Fists • Psalm 123 begins, “I lift up my eyes to You, enthroned in heaven” (v. 1). • Before addressing contempt, the psalmist focuses on God’s sovereign position. • This order teaches us to look vertically (to the Lord) before reacting horizontally (to society). Responding to Disdain God’s Way 1. Rest in God’s authority • He is “enthroned in heaven”; critics sit only on earthly benches. 2. Seek mercy before vindication (v. 3) • “Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us.” • Mercy supplies the stamina to endure scorn without sinning in return (Romans 12:19). 3. Expect disdain as part of discipleship • Jesus: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18–19). 4. Refuse retaliation • “See that no one repays evil for evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). • Instead, “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). 5. Rejoice in future reversal • “Blessed are you when people insult you… great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). • God will exalt the humble and bring down the proud (Luke 1:52). Practical Habits for Today • Start each morning by literally lifting your eyes—pray aloud Psalm 123:1–2 before scrolling headlines. • Keep a journal of contempt encountered (news, workplace, social media). Right beside each item, record a promise of God’s care (e.g., Isaiah 41:10). • Memorize Psalm 123:4 to remind yourself that scorn is not a sign of God’s absence but of your alignment with His truth. • Bless those who mock (Romans 12:14). A calm, gracious word can silence ridicule more effectively than argument (Proverbs 15:1). • Meet regularly with believers for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25). Shared endurance strengthens resolve. Promises That Anchor the Soul • “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). • “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). Living Psalm 123:4 Today Society’s disdain may be loud, but the Lord’s throne is higher. By fixing our gaze on Him, seeking His mercy, and responding with Christlike grace, we follow the psalmist’s path from oppression to steadfast hope. |
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