"For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” Psalm 72:12-14 NIV
Life is continuing to happen for all of us. Whether strangers or loved ones, we know people who are in need. Whether the need is for basic necessities; protection from domestic violence, safety for an elderly person or child, medical treatment, or mental health support for those who are experiencing depression, isolation, loneliness, or anxiety. Sometimes it is another person in need, and sometimes we are in need.
Christian commentaries suggest that Psalm 72 portrays Jesus Christ and His commitment to “deliver the needy...the afflicted” (v. 12), express compassion toward the “weak and needy” (v. 13), and to “rescue” the weak and afflicted “from oppression and violence” (v. 14). Notice how verse 12 opens up with “who cry out." Human nature and particularly Western culture have wrongly taught us that in times of need we are to “go it alone.” Yet, Jesus is our king and the only source of help for every need. When we cry out to him not only about our needs but the needs of others, it is an act of worship demonstrating our dependence and surrender to Him.
Whatever is weighing on your heart, take it to God in prayer. Be unapologetically vulnerable with the One who died and rose again for you, me, and all of humanity. This is not the time to be holy and dignified in our prayers, but rather an opportunity to nakedly lay all that we carry out on the line knowing our God is just and hears us. Whatever you’re going through or absorbing is not something that you have to carry alone. Justice and kindness are essential qualities of the nature of God Himself. He will rescue us and take pity on us because His love and mercy for us are just that great.
Reflection
What am I carrying that I need to unload to the Lord? How can I advocate for the vulnerable both in prayer and on the earth? Do I actually believe God can and will? Why or why not?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your kindness and mercy. Forgive me for not crying out to You. Help me to be honest with You about all that weighs on me. Grant me the humility to surrender to You and not carry my own burdens. Teach me how to show mercy and kindness to others too. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash
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Update 11am 4/15: A reader shared the following video with Delighting In God after reading today's devotional. We have added it to the post given its relevance. Please view.
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