All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let the Lord deliver him, since her delights in him.”  (Psalm 22:7-8).

An innocent man who stands for God, mocked by those who will not believe.

David was in good company.

Matthew tells us that, as he died, Jesus was also mocked. Fools laughed and jeered and challenged Jesus to come down from the cross, if he was really who he said he was.

Thank you, Father, that he did not.

Most of us will never be called upon to suffer as David did, let alone as Jesus did. But we all will know pain and loss, sometimes in a way the world can see.

Beloved, when those times come, there are people in the world who will use it as an opportunity to mock you

or God

or both.

Even if they do not spit in your face, they will laugh behind your back. It is your job to glorify God in your suffering. Let the world see that you cling to the One who is faithful and true. Like David’s friends, be willing to endure the flames whatever the outcome.

Because in the end, there is only one opinion that matters, ya?

Stand firm, Beloved.

Happy Thursday