Psalm 41:1-3
Happy people always stand out in a crowd. Why is this true? Because there are so few of them!
Very few people genuinely are happy. Even among Christians it’s hard to find those who are happy; those with big grins, easy laughs, sparkling eyes and truly jovial hearts. Maybe the reason so few are happy is because so few do what the Bible says to receive happiness. One example is found in this passage:
“Happy is one who cares for the poor…” (Psalm 41:1a)
Caring for the poor? What does that have to do with happiness? Well, perhaps nothing, from our human perspective. But God promises happiness to those who do care for the poor. In fact, He promises six reasons they will be happy.
The one who cares for the poor will be…
1. Safe – “the Lord will save him in a day of adversity” (vs. 1b).
Each of us, at some time in our lives, will have “a day of adversity.” For some of us, it seems such days come around fairly often! Wouldn’t it be nice, and wouldn’t it be a source of great peace, to know that when adversity comes God Himself will save us?
This is exactly what God promises…to those who “care for the poor.” This is how God often works: we serve others - with no thought for ourselves - and He takes care of us. We focus on the needs of the poor and He provides for our needs, particularly on our “day of adversity.” This should make us happy!
The one who cares for the poor will be…
2. Secure – “The Lord will keep him and preserve him” (vs. 2a).
God’s keeping means He will see that we stay the course and are delivered to Heaven as promised. He also will preserve us; He will protect His followers each day of this life. He promises to keep and protect ALL believers who are doing one thing: “caring for the poor.”
The one who cares for the poor will be…
3. Successful – “he will be blessed in the land” (vs. 2b).
Being successful in your vocational endeavors – being successful in your life – is tied to your efforts on behalf of the poor! God's promise is to bless you, as you bless others; particularly, the poor. You never realized the poor would be so important to you, did you?
The one who cares for the poor will be…
4. Strong – “You will not give him over to the desire of his enemies” (vs. 2c).
One translation says we will be able to stand against our enemies. Either wording means the same thing: God promises strength in the face of confrontation. Attempt anything for the Kingdom of God, try to live the Christian life faithfully and obediently, and you will encounter enemies. Sometimes they appear at work; in our circle of acquaintances; and even in your family! Where you encounter them may surprise you, but that’s not the important issue. What is most important is this: wherever they confront you, God promises you the strength to overcome; if you are caring for the poor.
The one who cares for the poor will be…
5. Sustained – “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed” (vs. 3a).
When you are sick and suffering; when the battle for the Kingdom overwhelms you to the point of illness, maybe even death…at that very moment God will intercede. And what He brings is endurance for the moment.
Sometimes (maybe even often) the enemy appears to be winning. We can get discouraged, down and disappointed. Some have even gotten sick. Isn’t it good to know when this happens, God will be there to sustain us? The enemy will not win; we will not be beat.
And finally, the one who cares for the poor will be…
6. Saved – “You will heal him on the bed where he lies” (vs. 3b).
Not only will God sustain you through the battle, He will heal you from all wounds! This is His promise; so why not fight? Why not join in the battle for the Lord’s Kingdom? He promises to take you through successfully, deliver you to the prize, and make you whole after the struggle!
All you have to do – to receive all these promises and thus be happy – is to care for the poor.
Did you ever realize the poor were going to be such an important part of your happiness? If you care for them, then God will do so much more for you. Why is this true?
Simply this: when we care for the poor, we are demonstrating the love and compassion of God to the lost, hurting and dying world around us! God desires for all people to know Him. We help them learn something of God when we, as Christians, care for those who need help most.
Sort of changes the way you view poor people, doesn’t it? Not as nuisances; but as channels for blessings and genuine happiness to enter your life. So now go, and...
...care for the poor!
No comments:
Post a Comment