Do you need freedom from contempt?
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Psalm 123:3
Merciful and Loving Lord,
Many of us have suffered
from daily doses of contempt,
deployed by the evil one through “arrogant attackers” (Psalm 123:4).
Contempt spreads like a cancer
within our bodies and souls,
wreaking havoc on our hearts,
deceiving our brains.
Contempt shouts at us,
telling us we’re not
strong enough,
smart enough,
thin enough,
good enough.
Contempt makes fun of us
for crying out to you for mercy.
And yet, we do, for where else could we go?
You alone have seen our worst,
judged it for what it is—
destructive sin and rebellion,
and sent your sinless Son to die for it,
that we might be freed from it.
You, the One Judge
who has the right to condemn us,
sent your sinless Son to pay our debt,
that you might call us your beloved children.
Because of your mercy and grace,
may we never join with voices of contempt,
and may we bring the good news about you
to others
through love, patience, kindness, and gentleness.
In Jesus’ freeing name. Amen.
Read Psalm 123.
