Thursday, August 6, 2015

the LORD hears the cry of the poor

Today's readings: Ezra 3:1-4:23, 1 Cor 2:6-3:4, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 20:24-25

A repeated theme throughout Scripture is repeated in today's readings. God hears the cry of the poor. What does that mean to us today?

Well, it means several things. It means that when you are feeling down, when life seems to be falling apart, when your heart is broken... He hears you. He cares. He is there for you, to wipe away your tears and to lift you up again. He takes care of you gently, like a shepherd taking care of little lambs.

But it also means that His desire is to help the poor. And you and I can be involved in that help. If you are feeling down, or wondering what you should do for God, He makes it pretty clear. He told Peter "feed my sheep". We can feed His sheep today, too. That's how you can easily find His will for your life... get involved in helping those who need help. Find a homeless shelter or soup kitchen and volunteer a little of your time. Find a Habitat for Humanity and paint some walls or drive some nails to make houses for the poor. Buy a few McDonald's gift cards so that the next time a homeless person asks you for money, you can give them something that doesn't make you worry you're enabling their demons.

God is in the business of helping poor people. He hears the cries of the poor. If you really want your life to make a difference, get involved in His work. Open your ears to the cries of His children. Ask, and He'll lead you to them.

God, thank You for hearing our cries... and for giving us the great privilege of being involved in Your plan to help those who need You.

1 comment:

Julie said...

No matter how bad or sad you are, step away from self and help someone else in need and your situation diminishes. God will and does bless you for doing for others.