The first part of Psalm 41 is about caring for those who are in need. Psalm 41:1-3 says, "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness." God expects us to be the channel of His blessings. God blesses us so that we can bless others. One of the ways that God shows His love to the people of this world is through all of us. We are not only to receive God's blessings and enjoy them but also to share them with those who are in need. Acts 20:35 says, "And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" The reason it is more blessed to give is that it blesses God; thus, He blesses us in return when we help others.
Ever since I chose to serve God as a missionary, whether that be in the mission field or here in the refugee community in Dallas, TX, and Tampa, FL, God has always provided everything that I need. I have experienced how God provides for my needs so that I can help those who are in need. God promises us that He will take care of us and bless us as we help those who are in need. There are two lakes in Israel. The first lake is called the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is full of life because it receives water from the surrounding mountains, and it flows through the Jordan River down to the second lake called the Dead Sea. The reason it is called the Dead Sea is that there is no living fish in it. Since the water in the Dead Sea does not flow anywhere else, it collects all the minerals and becomes very salty. We need to be like the Sea of Galilee. As God blesses us, we need to be a blessing to others as well.
There are many ways we can care for those who are in need. We can encourage them emotionally and spiritually, provide for their needs if we have the means to do so, provide guidance, or show support. We can even volunteer our time to organizations that meet the needs of those who are in need.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). Why is it important for me to help those who are in need? Is there anyone that I can help or bless today? In what ways can I help those I know who are in need?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please teach me how to be a channel of your blessings? Thank you for using others to help me when I am in need. Now, Lord, please use me in the same way. May I be a channel of your blessings as you bless my life. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Comments