The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 31:11-19, “Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.

12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.

13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror is on every side; while they took counsel together against me, they schemed to take away my life.

14 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, ‘You are my God.’

15 My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.

16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant; save me in Your lovingkindness.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call upon You; Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.

18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.

19 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men!”

There is ultimately no joy in becoming a “reproach” to neighbors, or to have people cross the street to avoid having to speak to you. Has that ever been your experience? Maybe someone has blatantly lied about your having done something you didn’t do. Maybe someone has lied about your having said something you didn’t say. Your reputation has been discredited beyond your own imagination. People turn away from you when you speak. They turn their backs to you when you come in contact with them. What can you do?

There is but one thing you can do: put your faith and trust in the LORD. “…I trust in You, O LORD…You are my God.” It’s not altogether what people think. What is most important is what the LORD thinks. He is well aware that you are being wrongfully charged. Moreover, He is aware of the evil in the hearts of your adversaries. Your release from these unjust experiences comes first from the LORD. It is His responsibility to deal with those who oppose and speak evil of you. And in the end, you will proclaim what the Word states: “How great is Your goodness…for those who take refuge in You…” Give the LORD an opportunity to right the wrongs that others have against you. You will find Him your Greatest Friend and Ally ever!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom