HOPE FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY

“For the oppression of the POOR, for the sighing of the NEEDY. Now I will arise,” says the Lord“ – Psalm 12:5a

In Christ, there is HOPE for the POOR and NEEDY: “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy. Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns” (Psa.12:5). Notwithstanding the blight of sin evidenced in the many tragic scenes of violence, war, genocide, and poverty in the world, which seem to portray a contrary picture, God cares a great deal for the poor and the needy. Let’s ponder on some Promises of Scripture that affirm this truth:

“For the NEEDY shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the POOR shall not perish forever” (Psa.9:18).

“The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the POOR and NEEDY, to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken” (Psa.37:14-15).

“But I am POOR and NEEDY; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God” (Psa.40:17).

“HE RAISES the POOR out of the dust, and lifts the NEEDY out of the ash heap, that He may seat Him with princes – with the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children” (Psa.113:7-9).

“For You have been a strength to the POOR, a strength to the NEEDY in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall” (Isa.25:4).

“The POOR and the NEEDY seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them” (Isa.41:17).

God hears the cries of the poor and the needy. He never forgets them, and will not allow their hope to be disappointed.

God’s thoughts are with the poor and the needy to help and deliver them without delay. He defends them and oppresses their oppressors.

God promotes the poor from the dust of disdain and elevates the needy from the ash heap of penury, to sit with royalty and dine with dignity. He who by mercy did so for Mephibosheth will do likewise for whoever believes (2Sam.9: 10-13).

God releases strength to the poor and the needy in their distress. He provides refuge from the storm and refreshing shade from the heat, to secure the poor and the needy from the blast of the wicked and terrible ones of this evil world.

God touches failing tongues and quenches the thirst of the poor and the needy with “rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.”  He makes “the wilderness a pool of water, and dry land springs of water” (Isa.41:18).

Only God can make such promises and keep them! The best of people, with the best of intentions, make promises that they cannot keep. They may fully intend to do so, but things happen that make it impossible for them. Many friendships have been destroyed and many people have been utterly disappointed because others did not keep their promise or fulfil their word. But God always keeps His Word. When He makes a promise, we can count on it being fulfilled. He has promised to help and sustain us in all circumstances and through all trials. He will not allow more on us than we can handle and will always give us a way of escaping the evil and doing what is right (1Cor.10:13).

Whatever may be the area of poverty or dire need in our lives, rather than being anxious, complaining, or murmuring, we must go to  God in prayer and He will hear us: “CASTING ALL YOUR CARE upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7). We must cast ALL – not few or some needs – to the GOD of ALL possibilities. He is more than able to meet ALL our needs: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:19).