We are Shamed

You have caused all our neighbors to mock us. We are an object of scorn and derision to the nations around us. You have made us the butt of their jokes; we are scorned by the whole world. We can't escape the constant humiliation; shame is written across our faces. All we hear are the taunts of our mockers. All we see are our vengeful enemies. Psalm 44: 13-16 NLT

The psalmist's complaints have changed from being valued as nothing in God's eyes to being ridiculed by the enemies.

Perhaps that is the biggest deal for the psalmist: being shamed in the eyes of other people.

God's actions have hurt them. But the bigger hurt comes from the enemies and the surrounding neighbors looking on.

The neighbors mock us. We are an object of scorn and derision to the nations around us. YOU make us the butt of their jokes. We are scorned by the whole world. We can't escape the humiliation. We are ashamed. All we hear are taunts. All we see are our enemies.

Pretty self-absorbed if you ask me. Is the whole world really looking in scorn at God's people? Are they truly the butt of their neighbors' jokes?

Sounds like the worst thing is the injury to the peoples' pride.

God, we are more proud than we let on. We don't want our neighbors and coworkers to joke about us or look at us with derision. So we depend on you to keep us from these situations. Deep down, Lord, we know that you want us to be changed and more dependent on you. Help us, Lord, as you mold us into who you want us to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims