Didn’t even realize
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud. ~ Psalms 123:4
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, I was often subjected to scrutiny and judgment. I was held to a higher standard, and like everyone, I fell short many times. Our family was even gossiped about, lied about and left out at times. The amazing thing was that I really didn’t even realize all of it was happening. I thought things were normal, believing that everyone around us loved us and were genuinely kind, simply because that’s the kind of people we tried to be as God’s representatives. It sounds pretty naive, but I didn’t mind being sheltered from those hurts.
It wasn’t until I got older that I began to understand that people singled us out, formed opinions without truly knowing us, and even criticized things that were beyond our control. Looking back, I see God’s hand of protection over my heart. Even though there was scorn, even though there was contempt from those who sat in comfort and judged, God shielded me from it so that I could grow in faith instead of becoming bitter.
When I readPsalm 123 today, I was reminded that there will always be those who look down on us, not because of what we’ve done wrong, but because of their own pride or misunderstanding. Some people judge out of insecurity, others out of jealousy, and some simply because they don’t understand the walk of faith we are called to live.
There are some ways to discern who is truly for us and who is working against us?
- Watch the Fruit, Not Just the Words
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” ~ Matthew 7:16 Some people may flatter with words but bear fruit of division, gossip, or negativity. Pay attention to their actions, not just what they say. Are they bringing encouragement and unity, or are they sowing discord and criticism? - Test Their Intentions with Prayer
Before reacting to criticism, take it to God. Ask Him to reveal whether their words hold truth or if they are simply meant to hurt and discourage. James 1:5 tells us that God gives wisdom freely to those who ask. When you seek discernment in prayer, God will help you see people’s hearts more clearly. - See if They Rejoice in Your Success or Only Show Up in Your Struggles
True friends and godly people will rejoice in your victories and encourage you in your struggles. Those who secretly take pleasure in your downfall or only speak up when they have criticism may not be speaking from a place of love.
So, how do we live above the judgment, gossip, and opinions of others? How do we keep from letting criticism seep into our hearts and steal our peace?
- Keep Your Eyes on the Lord
Psalm 123:1 says, “Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” The key to overcoming criticism is shifting your focus upward. When you focus too much on what others say, we lose sight of what God says. Keep your gaze on Him, and let His truth define you, not the opinions of people. - Choose Mercy Over Bitterness
When you are treated unfairly, it’s tempting to hold onto offense. But Psalm 123:3 reminds us to cry out for mercy. Just as you ask for God’s mercy, you must extend it to others, even those who hurt you. Forgiveness frees your heart from the weight of judgment and allows you to move forward in peace. - Stay Rooted in Your Identity
The enemy wants to use criticism to shake your confidence in who you are. But your identity is not found in people’s approval, it is found in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:4 says we are chosen, holy, and blameless before Him in love. When you are secure in who God says you are, the opinions of others lose their power over you. - Surround Yourself with Encouragers
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, pray for you, and remind you of your worth in God’s eyes. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Find godly friends and mentors who will strengthen your faith rather than tear it down.
Psalm 123 reminds us where to fix our eyes: “Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens” (v.1). When the weight of people’s opinions feels heavy, when the scorn of the proud surrounds you, lift your eyes above it all. Look to the One who truly knows your heart. Just as a servant looks to their master for direction and provision, we are called to fix our gaze on God, trusting Him to be our refuge and our help.
God sees every unjust word spoken against you, and He is your defender. “Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us!” (v.3). Instead of allowing criticism to harden your heart, cry out for His mercy, both for yourself and for those who misunderstand you. He will strengthen you, uphold you, and lead you forward in peace.
If you’ve ever been misunderstood, judged, or talked about, know that you’re not alone. Even Jesus faced contempt and mockery, yet He never allowed it to define Him. Instead, He stayed focused on His mission, trusting in the Father.
Today, I encourage you to do the same. Lift your eyes above the noise of criticism and set them on the One who truly knows your heart. Trust that God sees every unjust word spoken against you, and He is your defender. Keep walking in faith, keep loving people, and keep your heart free from offense. The only opinion that truly matters is God’s, and He calls you loved, chosen, and His own.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 123
1 Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us.
3 Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.
The Daily Dose 