Humiliated, but not broken

Олексій • 3 years назад

“I…will praise You in the midst of the congregation!” — Псалом 21:23

At the end of the service, the pastor invited Latrice to come on stage. When she was offered to greet the congregation, no one was prepared for the words she would speak. She moved from Kentucky, where devastating tornadoes killed seven members of her family in December 2021. “However, I can still smile because God is with me,” Latrice said. Despite the pain of the ordeal, her testimony was a powerful encouragement to those who themselves were struggling.

David’s words in Psalm 21 (which foretells the suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ) are the words of a sufferer who felt abandoned by God (vv. 2), humiliated and ridiculed by others (vv. 7-9), and surrounded by predators (vv. 13-14). He felt weak and desolate (vv. 15-19), but not hopeless. “And you, Lord, don’t stay away – My helper, hurry to my defense!” (v. 20). Your present trials (though perhaps not as those of David or Latrice) are just as real. Therefore, the 25th verse is of great importance for you: “For He did not despise and despise the suffering of the poor, and did not hide His face from him, but heard how he cried to Him!” When we feel God’s help, let us tell others about His goodness (v. 23).

What are the benefits of stories about God’s goodness? Why is it important to connect with other brothers and sisters in Christ?

Heavenly Father, I brought my feelings of helplessness to You. Fill my heart with new hope and help glorify Your Name.

Author: Arthur Jackson