Psalm 86:17 Give me a
sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you,
Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
So many verses in Psalms are about enemies. I don’t think most
of us have the same type of enemies but maybe somehow we can still appropriate
these scriptures for ourselves. There
are people who do oppose things that we stand strongly for--people who are not
believers and would do things to hurt the efforts of Christians. I do understand the concept of separation of
church and state, but some use that premise to restrict our freedom to express
our faith. Then there are those who
would condemn me and other Christians for our belief that God loves all people
and can use them to advance the kingdom regardless of gender or sexual
identity.
Our best defense in face of those with whom we would
disagree is to show God’s goodness in our life. It’s difficult to condemn
people when God’s goodness and blessings in their lives are evident; when they,
by the power of the Holy Spirit lead exemplary lives. When I don’t seem to be making headway with
people who would deny faith or deny God’s love of all creation, I know I can
confidently look to God for help and comfort. Others’ opposition of my beliefs won’t change
me. As Paul said, “But by the grace of
God I am what I am.” (1 Cor. 15:10).
Keep
us strong, O Lord, in the face of our enemies. Protect us especially from the
prince of this world who would trip us up even when other human’s don’t come
against us. Strengthen us with your
power and love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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