God's Care for the Poor and Needy
God has always been on the side of the poor and needy. God looks out for those who are oppressed by powerful people and those who can't meet their own needs. Jesus clearly showed the heart of God in this area during His earthly ministry. As Christians, we should do the same thing by taking up for the poor and needy, as well as helping them in their struggles. I believe that was David's heart. (Psalm 35:10) We all need to stop and give God glory for having a heart to care for the poor and needy. Then, we need to do the same.
Someone might read this verse and other similar verses and wonder why there are so many poor and needy people who are being oppressed and deprived of what they need. I can't answer that question completely, but I can affirm a couple of truths that apply here. It is definitely God's heart to help those in need. If they are not receiving His help, it is not because He doesn't care or He doesn't have the resources to help. Therefore, it is possible that the poor and needy have been offered help from the Lord, but they have chosen not to trust Him and to follow His way to win their battles or provide for their needs. Life is about our choices. Everyone has the ability to hear from the Lord, because He is revealing Himself to everyone. However, not everyone listens or responds in faith, even though it is their best option. Our independent spirit leads us to try to do things our way, and God can't bless that rebellion. If we will yield to Him and His way, anything is possible.
There is also another possible problem. God does not put emphasis on having a lot of money and resources. If we have food and clothes, we have enough.(I Timothy 6:8) However, most people do not realize this truth, because they do not know that real life comes from knowing the Lord and following Him, not from material possessions and earthly power. Many of the happiest people I have met have been poor and needy people in other countries, but they knew the Lord, and they were just fine. I believe we have to consider this factor when we think about this concept, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 36-38.
Someone might read this verse and other similar verses and wonder why there are so many poor and needy people who are being oppressed and deprived of what they need. I can't answer that question completely, but I can affirm a couple of truths that apply here. It is definitely God's heart to help those in need. If they are not receiving His help, it is not because He doesn't care or He doesn't have the resources to help. Therefore, it is possible that the poor and needy have been offered help from the Lord, but they have chosen not to trust Him and to follow His way to win their battles or provide for their needs. Life is about our choices. Everyone has the ability to hear from the Lord, because He is revealing Himself to everyone. However, not everyone listens or responds in faith, even though it is their best option. Our independent spirit leads us to try to do things our way, and God can't bless that rebellion. If we will yield to Him and His way, anything is possible.
There is also another possible problem. God does not put emphasis on having a lot of money and resources. If we have food and clothes, we have enough.(I Timothy 6:8) However, most people do not realize this truth, because they do not know that real life comes from knowing the Lord and following Him, not from material possessions and earthly power. Many of the happiest people I have met have been poor and needy people in other countries, but they knew the Lord, and they were just fine. I believe we have to consider this factor when we think about this concept, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 36-38.