Daily Devotional for Friday, July 5

David’s Persecution and Praise

“All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him,” Psalm 35:10.

I love to read about the apostle Peter. He is extremely relatable, as his spiritual growth is laid out in profound detail for all to see. He went from the over-confident disciple who denied the Lord for fear of persecution, to rejoicing for being counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:40-42). When Jesus revealed to Peter the manner in which he would die, Peter was not entirely thrilled (John 21:18-22). Yet, he matured into the man God used to pen the book of 1 Peter that teaches us how to be prepared for persecution and react to it accordingly.

This psalm conveys the continual wickedness David faced as a good, godly king. He described false witnesses accusing him, mockers, as well as schemes and plots to take his life. Although these evildoers treated David with such malice, he prayed for them in their sickness and mourned for them in their times of grief (Psalm 35:13, 14). Much of this psalm not only describes the persecution of David, but it is also very prophetic of our Lord Jesus Christ and what He would endure.

As we look at the world around us, it is clear that true disciples of Christ may be facing persecution very soon in the United States. The question is, are we prepared? If we are honest, most of us would probably have to admit we may be like Peter and need to grow in this area. Pray for boldness and opportunities to share your faith to all who will hear. When persecution comes, stay true to the Lord and faithful to the end and rejoice because of the opportunity to suffer for His name.

REFLECTION
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14).

Darla Goodrum