Crazy Christians

Psalm 119:23 - "Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees."

Have you ever heard the phrase crazy Christians? It's a phrase that is typically used when talking about Christians who are hypocritical and fake.

A former student of mine has completely turned his back on Christianity. His main reason? Because of what he sees in other Christians. In his process of turning, this student has decided that all Christians are crazy. And, that makes me sad. And, it makes me wonder if that is what David felt like in Psalm 119:23.

Now, David, of course, wouldn't have been called a Christian. He was a Jew. Jesus Christ had not yet come to offer salvation to the world. David believed that the Messiah would one day come to earth, and trusted in God's promise.

And, I believe that the rulers of other countries thought he was crazy. Like any politician, David was the object of pulic ridicule, scorn and contempt. He had his detractors and his enemies. He knew the lonley road of leadership. He knew the pain that came from the words of others. And, he knew that the only way to get through it all was by holding on tight to the promises of God. So, in his times of distress David spent time with God.

I know that there have been many times in my life, when under the microscope of criticism I have felt pain. And, my strength during those times is God's word.

Joe Stowell, the former president of Moody Bible Institute had an opportunity to dine with the evangelist Billy Graham on an occasion a few years back. Joe says that he asked Graham what Graham's greatest joy in ministry was. He was expecting to hear Graham talk about some great crusade or the number of souls that had been saved. Graham responded, "The greatest joy in all my life, far and away has been my fellowship with Jesus."

Wow!

That is powerful. And, that is the kind of relationship that I believe that David, the man after God's own heart, had with his Lord.

When we are hurting, being slandered, oppressed and discouraged, may we always go first to God. May we meditate upon his life-giving Word. May we bask in the presence of the glory of Christ.

Dear God,

Thank you that you are with us in the darkest of days. Thank you that you are with us in the best of days. And thank you that the darkest of days can be the best of days when we focus on you. May you be glorified in our lives today and forevermore.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.