David the Psalmist writes these words: “you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23.5)
“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident” (Psalm 27.2-3)
I came across a new hermitage being built in the UK. Interesting! It is sensible to have opportunity for mediation and space to be alone with God.
But these familiar scriptures describe victory in the midst of trouble and fearlessness when surrounded by enemies. This can be the experience for Christians born into a world at best indifferent, at worst antagonistic, to the message we proclaim and to the Christ we seek to honour.
Our normal experience is to be in a minority. It is in that situation that our light shines brightest and our hope can overflow in blessings to others.