Lifting the Lowly
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To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
[1] Blessed is he that considereth the poor:
The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
[2] The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth:
And thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
[3] The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing:
Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
[4] I said, LORD, be merciful unto me:
Heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
[5] Mine enemies speak evil of me,
When shall he die, and his name perish?
[6] And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity:
His heart gathereth iniquity to itself; When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
[7] All that hate me whisper together against me:
Against me do they devise my hurt.
[8] An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him:
And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
[9] Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted,
Which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
[10] But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me,
And raise me up, that I may requite them.
[11] By this I know that thou favourest me,
Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
[12] And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity,
And settest me before thy face for ever.
[13] Blessed be the LORD God of Israel
From everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Lifting the Lowly
In Psalm 41, David sings of the blessings that come from considering the needs of others. Just as the Lord tenderly cares for the poor, a righteous man provides aid to the poor in body, mind and spirit. David begins by outlining the rewards that come to those who consider the poor. “The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive” (41:1-2). David seems to be saying that the Lord sees the care you show for others and will certainly reciprocate that blessing back to you. Even more good things will come to those who help others. God will deliver them from their enemies and heal them from languishing in their beds. David now cries out to God for mercy because he has sinned. As David often does, he speaks of being tormented by his enemies who speak wickedly against him. “he speaketh vanity:
His heart gathereth iniquity to itself” (41:6). How lonely David sounds when he says “all around him seek to devise his hurt,” or do him harm. They think he has an evil disease from which he won’t recover. Even greater hurt is David’s outcry against the betrayal of his friend who rose up against him. But David prays for deliverance from the Lord that he might requite those evil men. He knows God favors him and his enemies do not triumph over him. David’s spirit seems to be lifted that God is with him forever. “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel. From everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen” (41:13).
About ten years ago, the phrase, ”what would Jesus do?” was popular. This question was meant for us to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus and strive to emulate His example in our own lives. In Psalm 41, David reminds us how God extends mercy to us, even when we are poor and weak in our trespasses and sins. How much more gracious then, should we be to provide mercy and grace to those in need. May I always remember how God saved me from darkness and brought me to His marvelous light. I want to share the news of this blessing with others, which is of greater value to the poor in spirit than silver or gold.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
The Psalms In Your Palm Weekly Series
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Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
The Psalms In Your Palm Playlist
Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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