How can we respond to mockery as seen in Psalm 22:7? Seeing the Mockery in Psalm 22:7 “All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads.” (Psalm 22:7) Psalm 22 is David’s heartfelt cry, yet it prophetically points to Christ, who experienced this verse literally on the cross (Matthew 27:39). Mockery, therefore, is no surprise to God—He recorded it centuries before it happened to His own Son. Why Mockery Stings So Deeply • It targets identity—who we are in God’s sight. • It isolates—mockers “shake their heads,” signaling rejection. • It questions God’s care—“Where is your God now?” is often implied (Psalm 22:8). Christ’s Pattern of Response • He expected it (John 15:20). • He endured it silently: “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • He forgave in real time: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). • He completed His mission anyway (John 19:30). Scriptural Principles for Our Response • Commit it to the Father – “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) • Refuse retaliation – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… leave room for God’s wrath.” (Romans 12:17-19) • Answer gently when speech is needed – “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1) • Bless the mocker – “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28) • Remember the reward – “Blessed are you when people hate you… because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23) Practical Steps for Today 1. Recognize the spiritual dimension: hostility toward Christ often surfaces in mockery toward His people (2 Timothy 3:12). 2. Anchor your identity: rehearse who you are—redeemed, adopted, secure (Ephesians 1:3-14). 3. Pray immediately: hand the hurt to God before it festers. 4. Speak truth in love if the door opens; silence can also glorify God (Ecclesiastes 3:7). 5. Surround yourself with encouragement: fellowship counters isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Keep doing good: “Overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Promises to Stand On When Mocked • “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) • “He will not abandon His saints.” (Psalm 37:28) • “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” (1 Peter 4:14) Living Psalm 22:7 Victoriously Mockery may cut deep, but Scripture equips us to face it with Christ-like courage: entrust the injustice to God, answer with grace, keep pursuing His call, and remember that every sneer today magnifies tomorrow’s joy in His presence. |
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