March 26

The Care of the Poor

The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness. — Ps 41:3 BSB

Remember that this promise is made to those who care for the poor. Are you one of these? If so, take this text to heart.

Notice how, in the hour of sickness, the God of the poor will bless the person who cares for them! The everlasting arms will uphold his soul, just as friendly hands and soft pillows support the body of the sick. What a tender and comforting image this is; it brings our God so close to our weaknesses and illnesses! Who ever heard such language used about the gods of the ancient world or the deities of other religions? This kind of language is unique to the God of Israel; He alone deigns to become the nurse and attendant of good people. If He afflicts with one hand, He sustains with the other. Oh, how blessed it is to faint and fall upon the Lord’s own bosom and be carried there! Grace is the best medicine; divine love is the safest stimulant for the weary soul; it makes the spirit strong even when the body is weak. There is no physician like the Lord, no tonic like His promises, no wine like His love.

If you have neglected your duty to the poor, consider what you are missing out on and immediately become their friend and helper.