Scripture Reading: Psalm 123:3-4

“Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.” (Psalm 123:3-4)

The Psalmist is praying a strange prayer. He is not asking for Me to judge nor deal with those who are scornful and who are at ease or who are proud. Instead, he is praying for himself. He cries, “O Lord, have mercy on us.” This is wisdom.

He realizes that he has to guard his own soul from becoming vexed with the sin and the wrong that he sees in other people’s lives. He says, “we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.”

Sometimes, when you see the lost all around you, the needs of the mission fields, and the desperation of those who serve Me, you, too, feel that same contempt for those who are at ease in Zion. The burden is so heavy on you; but all around you, you see people who do not care. No matter how plaintively you share the burden, and cry out for those who should help you carry the burden, still they do not arouse themselves from their lethargy and indifference. If you could shake them, you would shake them free from their pitiful state. You become grieved, angry and filled with contempt for those who refuse to hear the cry of the lost. You almost doubt their sincerity and their salvation. If you are not careful, a root of bitterness can begin to grow in your heart because of the things you see in the lives of My children.

This is what the Psalmist experienced. He had your same goal and fire, but he, too, was so alone with his vision. A prophet always stands alone. That is why he is the prophet. If he were “one of the crowd” he wouldn’t have a message to give. He would be the recipient of the message.

Guard your heart against contempt for those who deserve contempt. Never allow your heart to be filled with anything but loving compassion and pity. That is why the Psalmist asked for mercy for himself. He did not want his heart to be filled with contempt, even though those at ease, and the proud, deserved it.

Satan would make some of My children so obnoxious that you could easily hate them. But don’t do it. Pray for Me to fill your heart with mercy, so that you will even be merciful with them. Guard your heart against all evil.

Day by Day by Gwen Shaw
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