Topical Bible: Reviling and Reproaching: Saints: Sometimes Depressed By

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Reviling and reproaching are forms of verbal abuse and scorn that can deeply affect individuals, including the saints, who are the faithful followers of God. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where the saints experience depression and distress due to reviling and reproaching from others. These experiences are not only historical but also serve as spiritual lessons and encouragement for believers facing similar trials today.

Biblical Instances of Reviling and Reproaching

1. David: King David, a man after God's own heart, often faced reviling and reproach from his enemies and even from those within his own household. In Psalm 42:10 , David laments, "As with a deadly wound in my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'" This taunting led to a deep sense of depression and longing for God's presence.

2. Job: The account of Job is a profound example of a saint enduring reviling and reproach. Despite his righteousness, Job faced severe criticism and misunderstanding from his friends. In Job 19:2-3 , he expresses his anguish, "How long will you torment my soul and crush me with words? Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly attack me." Job's experience highlights the emotional and spiritual toll of being unjustly accused and mocked.

3. Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often faced reviling from the people he was sent to warn. In Jeremiah 20:7-8 , he confesses, "O LORD, You have deceived me, and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I proclaim violence and destruction, because the word of the LORD has brought me reproach and derision all day long." Jeremiah's struggle with depression due to constant mockery is evident in his candid expressions of despair.

4. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of enduring reviling and reproach is found in Jesus Christ. Despite His sinless nature and divine mission, He was subjected to scorn and ridicule. In Matthew 27:39-40 , during His crucifixion, it is recorded, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, 'You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!'" Jesus' endurance of such reviling serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution.

Spiritual Insights and Encouragement

The experiences of these saints reveal that reviling and reproach can lead to moments of deep depression and spiritual struggle. However, they also demonstrate the importance of relying on God's strength and promises during such times. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:10 , provides insight into the paradox of strength in weakness: "That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Believers are encouraged to find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their trials. Hebrews 12:3 reminds them to "Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." The saints' experiences serve as a testament to the sustaining power of faith and the hope of eventual vindication and peace in God's presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 42:10,11
As with a sword in my bones, my enemies reproach me; while they say daily to me, Where is your God?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 44:16
For the voice of him that reproaches and blasphemes; by reason of the enemy and avenger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:20
Reproach has broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Torrey's Topical Textbook