WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS FOR 12/19

Psalm 119:78

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in they precepts.

Paul did chores for his neighbor, Mrs. Bower, each Tuesday after school. He had done chores for her for three years, and no one had said much about it, but for some reason this year was different. All the kids at school had started making fun of him. He couldn't understand why other kids would laugh at him for trying to help someone else. It made him feel ashamed for no good reason. He'd almost gotten into a fight with one boy. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? It wasn't their business anyway.

There is always someone who will find fault with us, no matter what we do. Some people just aren't happy unless they criticize. In times when we feel the most persecution, God waits for us with open arms. He understands well what it is like to be mistreated for no good reason. He went to the cross in just that way. When times get rough, turn to the one who understands best. God will comfort you and give you the strength you need to persevere.

Prayer:

It is hard enough when people find fault with me for what I do wrong, let alone when I am trying to do what is right. Make their insults bounce off me like water off the duck's back. Strengthen me in Your will and way. Amen.