Hi
Isn’t it amazing how real the writers of the book of psalms got with God? We see occasional snippets of such relationships in the ‘biographical details’ of our Jewish Heroes, but not a lot. If you are looking for some real talk with God, check the psalms; such as today’s Holy Nougat
“Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalms 86:17 NRSV
We can’t get much more real than this – asking for God’s favour to silence the haters. (Oh yes; there were several haters mentioned in the Bible – Jew and Gentile alike). For haters WILL come; there’s no doubt about that. But how we respond to them is where the true test of our spiritual lives.
Now I would love to have been able to say, ignore the haters; but that’s not even very realistic. And while I don’t fully subscribe to asking God’s favor to silence our detractors (haters); I’m also conscious that that is essentially what we do sometimes; especially when we seek to succeed to prove the naysayers wrong. Or as our own boost of confidence in the face of negativity.
This is not quite a ‘back atcha’ to hater. For there nestled in the request is the desire for the detractors to see God’s hand working in the life of the psalmist, and to KNOW that it is God’s hand. This isn’t what Jesus means by bless them that curse you; but it certainly invites the haters to experience the transformative power of Our God.
So here’s the unrelated yet connected question – when we triumph in seasons of adversity; do we give credits to God publicly? As in beyond a muttered thank You Jesus? If others are unaware of the trials; they might not understand God’s intervention. And if we neglect the testimony; then others (including our haters) might not grasp the fullness of God’s might and favor – for us and for them.
We thank God for trials and for haters – for they offer the opportunity to draw closer to Jesus and bear testimony of God’s favor and blessings.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
