A Father and a Judge

 God fulfills many roles. Of course, we all know that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is the King over His kingdom. He is the Law-giver, who knows all things and has all wisdom. He is the All-powerful Warrior when He needs to fill that role, too. However, God has a very loving and compassionate side, too. He is the Giver of love, grace,  and mercy to those in need. David saw both sides of God, and we see this in his psalms. (Psalm 68:5) David knew that God was looking down from His holy habitation, which is heaven. From there He fulfills the role of being a father to the fatherless and a judge for the widows. He does this very well, too, because He does see all people and knows every need. We should all be very thankful for the great compassion of God for all of us.

A fatherless child has many needs. There is the need for the love of a father and for the discipline of a father. The orphan needs to be secure and to have his or her needs met, since they can't do it for themselves. They need acceptance and the reassurance that God is there for them, because they do not have an earthly father to do that for them. God does all of these things and more for the fatherless. Also, God is a judge for the widows. Each widow needs love and comfort in her grief. She needs for her physical needs to be met, especially if she does not have any family to care for her. The widow needs direction for her life once she is finished caring for her husband and children. She definitely doesn't need for anyone to take advantage of her, which can easily happen. Therefore, God judges those who would harm her, and He protects her from them. He assures her that she is loved, and she has a vital role to play in His kingdom. We can all rest assured that God is doing His part for the fatherless and widows. At the same time, we need to take His lead and to do all we can to meet the needs of the fatherless and widows in our lives and in our churches. That is very pleasing to our God.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 69-71.