How can we respond to "contempt" from others as seen in Psalm 123:4? The sting of contempt “We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.” (Psalm 123:4) The psalmist names the wound plainly: contempt. He does not soften the word or pretend it is harmless. Scripture treats this experience as real, painful, and frequent for those who serve the Lord. Lift your eyes to the enthroned Lord (Psalm 123:1) • Contempt pushes the gaze downward, but verse 1 redirects it upward: “I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.” • By looking first to God’s throne, His sovereign rule over every human word and attitude is affirmed. • This upward look steadies the heart before any response is attempted. Fix your gaze on His hand (Psalm 123:2) • “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master… so our eyes look to the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.” • The “hand” pictures God’s provision, correction, and timing. • Waiting on His hand frees us from scrambling for self-defense or retaliation. Plead for mercy (Psalm 123:3) • “Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy…” • Mercy is asked for twice—showing urgency and confidence that God hears. • Mercy is wider than relief; it includes sustaining grace while contempt continues. (cf. Hebrews 4:16) Wait in confident hope • Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD.” • Hope is not passive resignation but an alert expectancy that God will act. • This posture guards against bitterness, which grows when waiting is faithless. Respond with humble blessing • Romans 12:17-18, 21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone… Overcome evil with good.” • Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Blessing rather than cursing reflects the Father’s heart and removes the power of contempt to shape our character. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus • 1 Peter 2:23: “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Christ absorbed contempt, answered with silence or truth, and entrusted the verdict to the Father. • Union with Him enables the same supernatural response in believers. Trust God’s vindication • Romans 12:19: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’” • Psalm 37:5-6: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn.” • God’s timing and scale of justice exceed any human remedy. Putting it into practice • Start each day by consciously lifting your eyes to the Lord’s throne. • When contempt arrives, pause; breathe a silent, double plea for mercy. • Speak truth in love if needed, but refuse retaliation. • Pray blessing over those who scorn you. • Keep a journal of God’s small and large mercies while you wait. • Rehearse Christ’s example when insults sting. • Rest the final outcome in God’s hands, refusing to script your own vindication. Encouraging reminder Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. |
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