March 4

God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 35:1-10 | Numbers 2:1 – 3:51 | Mark 11:27 – 12:17 | Proverbs 10:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 35:1-10

“But let me run loose and free, celebrating God’s great work. Every bone in my body laughing, singing, “God there’s no one like you, You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies” (Psalm 35:9-10 The Message).  

It is commonly thought that the idea “God helps those who help themselves” is found in Scripture. It is not. In complete contrast, this scripture could easily be paraphrased: “God helps those who cannot help themselves.” David’s desperate cries in this Psalm show his trust in God who helps the helpless and brings hope to the hopeless. In asking for God’s intervention, he appeals to God’s heart for the down-and-out: the helpless, the oppressed, those without hope.

Scripture after scripture could be cited that remind us that God is especially concerned for those who cannot help themselves—those that society tends to leave behind.

Know that when you are feeling helpless and hopeless, God sees and he cares. His everlasting arms are there to uphold you. He is the one you can turn to, the one who will take up your cause.

The injustice and oppression is not lost on God. The down-and-out, the helpless, the hopeless are not forgotten by God. He sees and he cares. Vindication will come, either here or in eternity.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus, as his body, and we must be found caring for those who especially need our help and attention. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

The vulnerable may be neglected or even oppressed by the world, but they are deeply loved by God. We are called to express his heart to them—to show His love and compassion in practical ways.

Loving Lord, give me eyes to see the people of this world as you see them. Give me a heart to stand up for and help those in need. Help me to demonstrate my love to you through practical demonstrations of love to those who need it most. Amen.