August 3, Helping the Poor

Today’s reading” Psalms 11-15

“You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but
the Lord is their refuge” - Psalm 14:6.

God’s heart is for the poor, who are the victims in a fallen world where injustice and oppression are the norm. The Bible is full of directives on how to treat, view, and care for the poor, but today’s verse indicates that evildoers don’t understand God’s care or concern. Therefore, the poor have no alternative but to rely on the Lord as their refuge. When they do, those who try to take advantage of the poor will find God the poor’s help in time of trouble — and the Enemy of their enemies. What’s more, today’s verse indicates that the poor don’t want or need just a handout, but do need to play in a role and have a say in developing plans to escape their poverty. In Proverbs, the wisdom writer warned, “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich — both come to poverty” (22:19). Are you on the side of the poor? Do you help them through your church, in politics, in education or in business as they attempt to alleviate their own poverty? What more can you do to empathize and get in touch with their condition, and then act accordingly?