God Has Overcome the World

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. — Psalm 17:8-9

While being persecuted by King Saul, David wrote this psalm as a plea for justice in the face of false accusations. David offered up this entreaty with the confidence of someone who knows that his prayer will be answered and that he is praying to the One who can protect him and hide him.

Christians throughout the centuries have encountered harsh opposition. Yet they have prevailed because of their confidence in the One who has overcome the world and who has promised a secure future to all who trust in Him.

We see this unassailable faith in a portion of the second-century Letter to Diognetus.

[The Christians] pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men and are persecuted by all. They are poor yet make many rich. They are dishonored and yet in their very dishonor are glorified. They are evilly spoken of and yet are justified. They are insulted and repay the insult with honor. They do good yet are punished as evildoers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life. They are assailed by the Jews as foreigners and are persecuted by the Greeks, yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.

Christ said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Prayer: Lord, spread your sheltering wings over me . . .