Psalm
119:78
Let
the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I
will meditate in thy 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.
