Why do you walk so softly?  And why is your joy not shown?  Have they won?  Did they stifle your mouth?  You fear their ridicule and keep your joy to yourself.  Have you asked why? 

They protect their sin with a great energy.  Look at how they stand against the One who made them.  When they keep your mouth shut they perceive a great victory.  Yet we know of a day when victory will belong to the one stifled. 

Hold your chin up.  Straighten your back.  Speak of your joy with boldness and accept what comes.  How can we think He endured such things so that we can shuffle around like beaten folk?  Consider that Day.  Let yourself stand before Him and give account of your beatings.   How have we suffered for His Holy Name?  And what does He ask of us?  Perhaps He asks too much.  All the more shame to us. 

By His Grace.