Read Psalm 123.

We have noted that the pilgrim's first hindrance on the journey to God comes not from the hills ahead but from the city behind him.  He expects this because he has lived in that city and shared its pride and arrogance.  It's the kind of thing that comes from those who are self-righteous (Luke 18:9,11) or complacent (Job 12:5; men at ease have contempt for misfortune as pilgrims are wont to have).  He expects contempt because Christ Himself, the Ultimate Pilgrim on this earth, experienced contempt. 

We have said God will be the pilgrim's help.  So what is the pilgrim to do about contempt?  Should he be ready with a snappy retort?  Should he return insult for insult?  To the surprise of many the answer is "no!”

One thing the pilgrim is called to do in this Psalm: he must simply commit the contempt to God (v1-2).  Specifically, he looks to God as "the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress."  What does this mean?  Slaves have no power, no expectations, no rights.  For maids, as women, it is always worse.  When they are mistreated for their service to their master what can they do?  They simply look to the master for satisfaction.  They look reverently, obediently, attentively, continuously, expectantly, singly, submissively and imploringly.  And they do this until He has mercy.  All this precludes any hurt feelings.  This is not personal against the pilgrim; it is in fact directed toward the One to Whom he draws near.  So he commits it to the Maker of Heaven and Earth as Christ Himself did (1 Peter 4:19)

One should note that the Bible adds something beyond what this Psalm says about our response to insult.  Numerous New Testament passages say that, rather than returning insult for insult, we can and should return a blessing for an insult (Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:14; 1 Peter 3:9).  Again, this response is reminiscent of Jesus Himself Who, from the cross, asked His Father to forgive the very ones pounding the nails.

Perhaps this first test for the pilgrim is a special opportunity to test his faith in the One Who promised to be his help in Ps. 121.  In a difficult moment the pilgrim is asked to simply give it to God.  Let God, in His time, in His way, deal with the matter.  Graciously, and with purpose, continue on to the place you long to be!