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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 69:1-15  Listen to Psalm 69:1-15 This is a plea by David for God to save him from injustice, from those who hated him without reason. He acknowledged that there was sin in his life (verse 5), which only God knew about, but David had not sinned against any of the people who were spreading false rumours and conspiring against him. He asks God that his predicament may not cause disgrace to others who share his faith and trust in the Lord (verse 6). He proclaims his love for God in verse 9, “zeal for your house consumes me,” but this has caused him to be alienated even from his own family and friends. God is being insulted (and David ridiculed) by unrighteous men who see his distress and must have concluded that his faith was groundless. How should we react when faced with ridicule or being mocked for our faith? Jesus’s words from Matthew 5:11 should encourage us much when this happens. Psalm 69 is mentioned many times by New Testament writers who identify Jesus as the righteous sufferer. Only Psalm 22 is quoted more often. Jesus fitted the pattern almost completely – he was ridiculed, mocked, scorned, spat on, etc. during his trial and crucifixion. David, as we shall see tomorrow in verses 22-28 asked for God to punish his tormentors, whereas Jesus, in contrast, told us to pray for those who persecute us and even asked God to forgive the men murdering him. Lord, we pray for every person who loves you who suffers persecution of any kind. Please protect and sustain them by the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray too for those who are actively opposing Christians, both verbally and physically, that their eyes may be opened to the truth of who Jesus is.