January 12, 2026
Faith in the Midst of Hardship
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Psalm 129:1-8.
While most nations would look back on their history and brag about their achievements, in Psalm 129, Israel reflects on all that they had to survive. “‘They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,’ let Israel say; ‘they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, . . .’” (Psalm 129:1-2). Israel became a nation while in slavery in Egypt. That was the oppression of her youth. Then, God sent Moses to be their deliverer, and eventually Israel made it to the Promised Land. But that wasn’t the end of their trouble. It seems there has always been someone attacking or subjugating the people of God. However, the Lord always defends His people, as the rest of verse 2 concludes: “. . . but they have not gained the victory over me.” God is faithful, and He will have the victory.
You and I can have hope in times of trouble precisely because we know God will ultimately deliver us to glory. He will bring justice where only persecution exists. He will bring freedom where oppression currently reigns. He will not let the innocent suffer forever, nor will He let the guilty go unpunished. And we can pray to that end—just as in this imprecatory psalm, God’s people pray against their enemies (see vv. 5-8). Likewise, we pray that the wicked will not prosper in their wickedness, and we trust that because God rescued Israel time and again, in Christ, we too will have the victory over Satan and his schemes. With the psalmist we can proclaim, “But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked” (v. 4).
Because Christ has set us free, we can pray for our enemies as Jesus commanded us (see Matthew 5:44), specifically that they would repent and turn wholeheartedly to the Lord. We can experience peace even when we are wronged, trusting that God will avenge with perfect justice (see Romans 12:19). Finally, we can be emboldened to stand strong when the world tells us to wink at evil, for we know that it is never loving to condone sin.
Prayer: Father, Your faithfulness is clear as I look at the story of Your people recorded in Scripture and history, culminating in the coming of the promised Savior—the Light of the World. As I face trials and even hostility for my faith in You, may I be bold to stand against evil and loving to pray for the salvation and repentance of the wicked. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked” (Psalm 129:4).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Embracing Your Mission for the Future: WATCH NOW
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