Chrysostom
Beloved of All
When you cry out against the deceitful, you do well to turn to the psalms, for they train the soul in true prayer. But remember, it is not the mere sound of words that drives away the wicked, but the fervent heart lifted to God, joined with a life that refuses to bend toward their ways. The Lord sees all things, and in His time, every hidden deed is brought to light and every false tongue silenced. Be not troubled that such people draw near; from the beginning, the devil has sown false prophets among the true, and even among the brethren, deceitful workers appear.
Yet consider the prayer of the psalmist: he did not merely ask for the removal of the enemy, but cast his burden upon the Lord, trusting that He would never suffer the righteous to be moved. Do not despair as if you were alone in this struggle, for grace is given to those who both watch and pray. Let your own conduct be so honest that no accusation can stick, and then wait patiently for God to vindicate you. The fire of His coming consumes all falsehood at a distance; His light alone makes clear what was spoken in darkness.
Pray, then, with confidence, but also with a ready will to stand firm yourself, for the help of God meets the effort of man, and the two together bring deliverance.
Yet consider the prayer of the psalmist: he did not merely ask for the removal of the enemy, but cast his burden upon the Lord, trusting that He would never suffer the righteous to be moved. Do not despair as if you were alone in this struggle, for grace is given to those who both watch and pray. Let your own conduct be so honest that no accusation can stick, and then wait patiently for God to vindicate you. The fire of His coming consumes all falsehood at a distance; His light alone makes clear what was spoken in darkness.
Pray, then, with confidence, but also with a ready will to stand firm yourself, for the help of God meets the effort of man, and the two together bring deliverance.
