Prayers... triumph in persecutions

I have set the LORD always before me, ecause He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Ps 16:8

Notice the context: I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Other "gods" surround you. Today they don't only tempt you; now they attack you. They attempt to shame  you for not going with them. We see this in the classroom, in the media, and in social contexts.  People attack you simply for being righteous. You don't do porn? Something must be wrong with you! Life has become weird.

But it is important that we don't take up similar libations of blood - hurting other hearts. It is important that we keep Truth and Love on our lips.  Don't be swayed to their kind of haughtiness, their kind of disrespect, and their kind of hatefulness.  This is an underlying demonic intent of persecution.

But, bless God! When we keep looking at Jesus, when we enter into His presence, there is a wonderful analgesic. All this painful stuff doesn't hurt so much. We can be established and not shaken. We can continue to be glad, no matter what. We stand in faith and therefore are not thrown donw. We speak the Word, and therefore we can keep our mouth powerful and we can continue to rejoice.  And you know what? Even greater, our flesh can rest in hope. Today even science knows that continuing in confidence rather than strife, and especially in altruism (love) rather than hate -- results in better health.

This very Psalm is quoted to be about Jesus. His flesh rested in hope. He trusted in God. It worked for Him. It works exactly the same for us. Because we are in Him. Recieve Resurrection Life.  People will try to crucify you in any case.  So don't worry about that. Get into the Christ, and go through triumphantly.