Persecution has always been the bane toward believers of God and His Kingdom. The shepherd who would be king was attacked repeatedly by the rejected king. Those who were being set free from Egypt threatened their deliverer. The prophets encouraging the people to return to God were killed. Jesus Himself was killed. Even Saul the persecutor eventually became the persecuted as Paul. This week we will dig more deeply into the concept of persecution for one’s faith in the true God.
Psalm 9:1-20
Where does persecution come from (vs. 3, 5, 8, 19-20)? Remember who the prince of this world is. Does persecution only occur when we have disobeyed or fallen away like the Jews when Babylon took over? Why would Christians be persecuted by the world for being good people? Whom does the Lord watch over and defend? Why is it dangerous to mess with God and His chosen ones? In the end, what happens to the persecutors? (vs. 5-6, 15-17) What should your response be when the Lord overcomes the persecutor and you are in right relationship with Him? Today, honor God by looking to Him for your refuge. Pray for the persecutors of God’s people that they would be freed from satanic bondage.