Written by Leslie Tam. Artwork by Tammi Yu.
Psalm 62; James 1:2-4
The troublemakers at school stared with fierce eyes at the new student as she sat down in class. They stared so intently that she felt their eyes eat up her soul. The whole class knew that they had found a new target. She knew too. The golden-haired girl, the ringleader, would always laugh at the new student and taunt her as she walked by. The new student was so troubled, scared, and alone. The new friends around her could not protect or help her. The guys at school would even try to please the ringleader and her gang. Everyone in school was afraid of them.
Every day after school, when she walked home, the girls followed her and taunted her hoping to start a fight by the tree at the front of school. She never went there because she did not want to start any trouble. In those dark times, she sang worship songs on the way home. She sang those songs with tears were streaming down her face because she felt so hopeless and alone; but she knew God was there with her by her side.
As the world behind her seemed so dark, she saw the light on the path in front of her. She still felt so much love and joy when she walked home alone because she was never afraid. She knew if she obeyed God and leaned on His understanding, she would be righteous in His eyes. At church she read, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) She prayed for those girls at school. Even though she felt like seeking revenge at even the slightest thought of them, she knew she had to fall on her knees and pray for them. She wouldn’t let the Enemy defeat her. She prayed for God’s strength to love those who hated her.
In the same way, Jesus suffered physical, mental, and emotional pain. Jesus prayed and loved those who persecuted Him. He clearly understands our suffering because He also experienced rejection, loneliness, and pain. He knows and understands everything that we’re going through. So when we cry out to Him, we know He is there and that we’re never alone. Jesus is always by our side. Don’t forget who we’re fighting for and fighting with. We’re never alone. So take heart, and sing with me of the joy of our salvation.
Reflection Questions
1. Was there a time you felt alone? How did you respond to it?
2. If you were in the new girl’s shoes, how would you have reacted? Are you willing to pray for and even learn to love your enemies?