Words are powerful and they can be used to build up or tear down. Ridicule tears down so overcoming ridicule is necessary. Humankind was led into sin not by force, but by words from our enemy satan. His words destroyed by instilling doubt in what God said. Perhaps you have been the victim of verbal abuse and the Lord wants to bring healing from that wound. Today we want to discover how to overcome ridicule.
The Jews Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem were Ridiculed
Place yourself in the sandals of the Jewish people who were trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to protect their city. What would be going through your mind as you heard this report?
Nehemiah 4:1 Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2 saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” [1]
Overcoming Ridicule Through Prayer and Mediating on God’s Word
One of thing I have discovered along my faith journey is I don’t have to have it all figured out before I go to the Lord in prayer. When I begin to pray to the Lord, I can express to Him what is going on in my life right now. Perhaps I am angry or disappointed. When we pray about our situation and give space to the Lord to speak to us, He has an opportunity to redirect us.
Our God is wise. Though out time people use the Psalms to pour out their hearts to God.. Nehemiah goes to the Lord and tells them what his enemies are doing to Him.Nehemiah 4:4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. [2] Rebuilding the wall was God’s idea and therefore, their enemies were mocking God.
As I pour out the hurt of being verbally abused to the Lord, He gives us some amazing Bible verses to focus on that lift us up in our despair.
- God is close to the broken hearted. Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [3]
- The Lord answers our prayers for help. Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. [4]
- God heals us by forgiving others. Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.[5]
God is the great healer, and may the Lord bless you as you seek Him. To hear more about overcoming ridicule, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-opposition
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.