In Psalms chapter forty four David said, “You have given us like sheep appointed for meat; and have scattered us among the heathen. You sell your people for nought, and do not increase your wealth by their price”, and in chapter forty four and verse thirteen of Psalms David said, “you make us a reproach to our neighbors” where we read,
You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
The verse begins, “You make us a reproach to our neighbors, ...” David began with the words, “you make us a reproach” or “you, Jehovah God, place, set, appoint, ordain and establish us, David and his believing companion as to be scorned, taunted, shamed and disgrace” “to our neighbors” which means “with our, David and his companions', residents, fellow-citizens and nearby inhabitants”. David said Jehovah God made he and his fellow believers to be taunted and scorned by their nearby inhabitants.
The verse goes on to say, “... a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.” David continued with the words, “a scorn” or “a mocking stammering” “and a derision” which means “and a laughing-stock or ridicule” “to them that are round about us” or “to the people who surround David and his believing companions”. David said he and his fellow believers were made to be a mocking stammering and a laughing-stock to the people who lived around them.
When we think through the words in this verse, we see how David felt like Jehovah God put he and his companions in a position to be made fun of by the people that were near them. They became a laughing-stock and were taunted and shamed because they trusted in Jehovah and it appeared that He was no where around. The truth was that God was with David and his fellow believers, but they did not “feel” that He was. Sometimes we “feel” like God has abandoned us, and other people laugh at our faith and trust in Him. However, God loves us, and though He will allow times of testing which may cause us to believe that He is no where to be found, we should remember, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, and when we believe and trust in Him, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and be accompanied by His Holy Spirit to be with us all the days of our lives. God is with us, loves us and will guide us even when others look upon us and laugh when we feel like He is absent in our lives.
Next time David says, “you make us a byword among the heathen”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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