“Blessed is the one who considers the poor (and those without electricity)!“
The first 3 verses of Psalm 41 can be read as a heartfelt exhortation that comes with the Lord’s promise of salvation. It can also be sung as a prophetic song for Jesus’ coming ministry. He delivers us, blesses us, keeps us, never surrenders, sustains and restores the sick (all the beautiful things these first verses promise). In preparation for writing this, I tried to read verses 1-3 with a different perspective each time, and each attempt brought me back to a similar prayer of hope.
But as I studied some of the context of the Psalm, it also brought me to a feeling of thankfulness for not only Jesus but also his church. Some believe David may have written these first verses in response to the loving treatment he received in exile. In David’s time of need, he was protected, restored and loved, and it was the Lord’s will to bless him through the kindness of others – in spite of his own admission of sin (verse 4).
In a world of iniquity and gossip (verse 6), and hate (verse 7), we are blessed with His church and His grace. It’s amazing that God has empowered his believers to be light in the darkness, and I’m so thankful that his plan for me and my family has included so many great, caring people. As our power went out last Sunday at our home (along with most of East Dallas), it was so encouraging to see people step up and offer help. It’s such a tangible reflection of the blessing God gives us with his church and a reminder that my family is not alone in a world that lifts its heel against us.
Lord I pray that life’s circumstances, no matter what they are, help us remember that you delight in us, forever keep us, and have and will triumph over evil.
-Chris Holtkamp