Tags
Christianity, fanatics, Iraq, LGBTQ, persecution, Psalm 119, religious extremists, salvation, Syria
Reading: Psalm 119
כ Kaph
(Verses 81-88)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth (NIV).
Let the light of your truth shine forth, LORD. — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
Christians around the world are going through an unprecedented time of persecution. Broadly speaking the news media has done very little reporting on this topic. In China, new church buildings have been bulldozed to the ground. In Syria and Iraq, Christians have fled for their lives as Islamic extremist rampage through their communities raping and killing any who remain. In India several states have passed anti-conversion laws in an attempt to halt the spread of Christianity. Christmas celebrations were cancelled in Manipur state because of clashes and threats of violence from Hindu radicals.
For those who are suffering, these verses from Psalm 119 are particularly pertinent: All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
Satan and his minions are determined to wipe Christians from the face of the earth. Sensing that his end is near, he has inflamed a host of religious extremists and fanatics to attack the bride of Christ. Though he rages, he will not succeed. Closer to home court rulings have frequently trumped religious freedom, while openly promoting an LGBTQ agenda.
In their suffering, persecuted believers turn to the Lord and to his holy word. These words are their prayer: In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
We ought to thank the Lord daily for the freedom we have to assemble and worship our Savior. It’s a freedom we may one day lose.
Response: Father God, have mercy on those who are suffering for their
faith. Be with those who are fleeing persecution. Travel with them and be their guide. Show me how I can help. Amen.
Your Turn: Do we take our freedoms for granted? Have you faced opposition because of your faith?
I love the Psalms 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
I am incredibly grateful for the freedom we have and heartbroken for my brothers and sisters who are facing persecution! Thank you for encouraging me to redouble my prayers on the behalf of those facing persecution for Christ’s sake! Outstanding post, David!
Thanks for praying, Lynn. I am currently in Athens, Greece interviewing families who have fled persecution from the Erdogan government in Turkey. Many stories are heartbreaking. But these are the lucky ones who have escaped. Thousands are still in prison in Turkey. Some have died in custody.