The helper of the fatherless

There are times when we simply cannot bear the deep misery of this world. The distressing stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters fill us with sorrow. The trials we are facing in our own lives cause us to stumble. Sickness, injustice, loss and death seem rampant and unstoppable.

The writers of the Book of Psalms were like us in many ways. They were fallen people living in a fallen world who had difficulty understanding the atrocities around them. We can identify with their pleas for help and be comforted by their firm assurance of the Lord’s sovereignty in all situations. May these words encourage you today as you serve Him.

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.

   Do not forget the helpless.

Why does the wicked man revile God?

   Why does he say to himself,

   “He won’t call me to account”?

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;

   you consider their grief and take it in hand.

The victims commit themselves to you;

   you are the helper of the fatherless.

Break the arm of the wicked man;

   call the evildoer to account for his wickedness

   that would not otherwise be found out.

The LORD is King for ever and ever;

   the nations will perish from his land.

You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;

   you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

defending the fatherless and the oppressed,

   so that mere earthly mortals

   will never again strike terror.

Psalm 10:12-18