Consider the Poor

Psalm 41:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

I have had a really rough couple days, Satan still pounding my head with all that comes with the battles of depression. He is really great at twisting things around, always planting doubt of all we do and have done in life, always seeking to destroy us from within. It is a tiresome battle of epic proportions, and many of us face the battles of the mind. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We must just remember as disciples of Jesus, we are conquerers through Him, and we have already won this war. We must however reach out to those we see who are suffering, maybe such as us, without the confidence that comes with Jesus. We must reach out to those facing any battles of life with the hand of compassion, not the turned shoulder of selfishness. We cannot deny the opportunities Jesus places in our paths to share our struggles with others. God has let us go down the road of life building our testimonies; the difference he has made in our lives, and how that knowledge of him helps us to cope with life. It is the hope that he places within us that gives us strength to face tough days such as these.

This entire Psalm of David hinges upon the first verse. The entire passage revolves around the condition of our hearts in regards to others that are suffering, and how we view suffering ourselves. It is an open struggle from David of his own problems, and a view of how we and God should view others struggling down their life path. Matthew Henry exposition of this scripture reads, “We must regard them more generally with application to ourselves. Here is a comment upon that promise, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Observe, (1.) What the mercy is which is required of us. It is to consider the poor or afflicted, whether in mind, body, or estate. These we are to consider with prudence and tenderness; we must take notice of their affliction and enquire into their state, must sympathize with them and judge charitably concerning them. We must wisely consider the poor; that is, we must ourselves be instructed by the poverty and affliction of others; it must be Maschil to us, that is the word here used. (2.) What the mercy is that is promised to us if we thus show mercy. He that considers the poor (if he cannot relieve them, yet he considers them, and has a compassionate concern for them, and in relieving them acts considerately and with discretion) shall be considered by his God.” Likely in it’s simplest state, how we view and handle these situations to show mercy, is the same as God does.

You are not alone, your struggles are not the first of it’s kind, and God has allowed you to be on the path of life you are at this present time. Remember in your seemingly weakest state, is where you see the greatest strength of God. The apostle Paul was open in his struggles too. 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Consider the poor, in any way, and God will consider you.