Facing rejection can be very difficult and certainly painful, because we would all like to be accepted, valued, and affirmed by others. Yet, being accepted or appreciated by all people in every situation is impossible. And, just because we may bring ideas that someone does not value does not mean we are not valuable. In fact, God himself was rejected by his people, because they did not approve of him as a messenger nor did they like his message.
In our passage today, the psalmist understood rejection, but he also knew the Lord was the real strength he needed to be successful to the work God called him to do. So, when we feel rejected by others, we need to remember Jesus knows how we feel, but those feelings cannot be given the power to define us. We are who God says we are and we must know our value to God and give him the power to make us unique and useful in his Hand. God knows what he is doing!
In spite of his rejection, Jesus became the Cornerstone—the most important and valuable structure on which the Kingdom is built. The enemy will always try to get us to look at what we are not and slide into the despair of rejection, but Jesus knows what we are yet to become and we must press on to believe, because we live, move, and have our being in him and who he anoints us to be in his Body. God has given you the victory! You are not all things to all people. However, you are precious to the Lord! REJOICE!
Psalm 118:14-24 NLT
14
The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.
15
Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
16
The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
17
I will not die; instead, I will live
to tell what the Lord has done.
18
The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not let me die.
19
Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord.
20
These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.
21
I thank you for answering my prayer
and giving me victory!
22
The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
23
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
24
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making each one of us as your children special and unique to the righteous work you have prepared for us to do. Thank you for the privilege of serving you and being useful and beneficial to grow your Kingdom. When we experience despair or rejection, help us to fix our gaze upon you because in spite of the cruel and horrific things you faced, you pressed through to accomplish salvation for us. We can certainly move beyond feelings by allowing you to be our hope and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.