This site includes links from a number of different paid/affiliate programs. When you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We have also displayed ads on our site as a means to support our online ministry. Please be aware that some of the ads may not be appropriate for Christians.
Day 5: Care for the Poor
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, You care deeply for the vulnerable and disadvantaged in this broken world. Open our eyes to see as You see the suffering all around us, and soften our hearts to feel as You feel compassion for each precious life. Through Your Word, teach us what it means to walk humbly and serve others as You served. Give us wisdom and courage to advocate for the oppressed, feed the hungry, and lift up the bowed down. May our deeds flow from a place of united purpose with Your heart. As we reflect on serving the least of these, help us experience anew Your profound love. Draw us near to You and to one another through this study. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading and Reflection
Psalm 82:3-4 KJV
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Reflection:
This verse in Psalm 82 gives us an important message about how God views those in our society who are vulnerable and in need of assistance. He calls them “the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed”. God sees each person who is struggling, alone or without resources, and He cares deeply for their wellbeing. The psalm tells us that God expects His people to “defend the weak and the fatherless” and “uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed”. In other words, we are called to stand up and speak out on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. We should work to rescue and deliver them “from the hand of the wicked” – from unjust systems or people who would take advantage of or harm the disadvantaged. Caring for those in difficult circumstances is not optional for believers. It is a core part of demonstrating our love and faithfulness to God. When we offer help, protection or be an advocate for the vulnerable, we are really ministering to God Himself. Our acts of compassion reflect His compassionate character. So this verse challenges each of us to open our eyes to the needs around us. Who in our community might need a helping hand, kind word or someone to stand with them? Though the problems seem big, small efforts done in love can make a real difference for those in need of rescue or defense. By giving practical support as well as working for societal change, we uphold the biblical command to serve “the least of these.”Hymn:
Poor as the Poorest
1 I was poor as the poorest outcast from the fold, I sank by the wayside with hunger and cold; But He bade me look up, All His riches behold; O the wealth of the world is Jesus.
Refrain: I was poor as the poorest outcast from the fold, But He gave me great treasures of silver and gold, And a mansion above that will never grow old, For the wealth of the world is Jesus.
2 I was poor as the poorest, I shrank from the throng, I hid in the darkness that dwelt with me long; But He came like the morning with sunlight and song, Now the light of my life is Jesus. [Refrain]
3 I was poor as the poorest, I wandered alone, No dwelling I had, And my pillow a stone; But I heard someone whisper, My child, still My own; Now the peace of my heart is Jesus. [Refrain]
4 I was poor as the poorest; He came from the sky with love That was deathless for sinners to die; And He bled on the cross, And my heart said, ’Tis I; Now the love in my soul is Jesus. [Refrain]
5 I was poor as the poorest till Jesus stooped low And washed all my sins of the whiteness of snow; And so that is the reason I love Him, you know; O the wealth of the world is Jesus. [Refrain]
Lyrics: Frank H. Mashaw, Music: Joseph Lincoln Hall
Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing
Write out Psalm 82:3-4 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below.
Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only.
Commercial use not allowed.
Download Scripture Writing Page
Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling
Creative Activities: 3. Doodling
As you meditate on God’s care for the disadvantaged as referenced in Psalm 82:3-4, consider freeform doodling or drawing related images that come to mind. You might sketch:
- Hands extending food/water/clothing to those in need
- Figures supporting each other with arms around shoulders
- Faces of people reflecting emotions like sorrow, relief or gratitude
- Hands or shields protecting small vulnerable objects/people
- Hearts surrounding words like “defend”, “rescue”, “deliver”
- Stick figures advocating for justice before an authority
Allow your artwork to reflect different ways God’s people can embrace and uphold the disadvantaged both practically and symbolically. There are no “right” or “wrong” doodles – simply create freely as the Spirit guides your thoughts and express your reflections through simple drawings. Revisit your journal artwork later to see if God speaks to you through your creative interpretations of defending the cause of the poor.
Please download the Doodle Printable below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only. Commercial use not allowed.
Download Doodle Printable
Creative Activities: 4. Journaling
Reflect and Journal:
- How can I develop more empathy for those facing challenges in life that I do not personally understand?
- What specific strengths or abilities has God given me that could help lift up “the least of these” in some way?
Download Journal Printable
Applying and Taking Action
- Commit to praying regularly for a specific organization/ministry that serves those in need.
- Research local volunteer opportunities at a food bank, shelter, or community center.
- Visit a senior living home with a friend to offer companionship.
- Donate clothing or household items to assist someone transitioning from homelessness.
- Have coffee with someone struggling with loneliness or difficult circumstances.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness in guiding our hearts as we have spent time studying Your Word and reflecting on caring for the vulnerable. Open our eyes to see the needs around us as You see them. Fill our hearts with Your compassion.
Bless the ways each person here feels called to live out the truths learned from Psalm 82. Give courage and wisdom as steps of service are taken. Remove any barriers that would hinder following Your leading.
Use the insights and commitments gained to motivate us to serve others. May Your love overflow from us with kindness, mercy and justice for the oppressed. Strengthen our resolve to advocate for those in need as You advocate for us.
We ask that You would empower us with Your Spirit to reflect the example of Christ in how we embrace and uplift the disadvantaged. May all who encounter Your love in us be drawn closer to Your caring heart. We pray in the name of Jesus, who came to lift up the lowly. Amen.
If you have been blessed by this Creative Lent Devotional, please share it with others. Many thanks. God bless you!
Welcome to ‘wisdomfromheaven.net‘. Our ministry is dedicated to support your spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, educational, work, financial, social, marital, and parenting health in alignment with the Bible.
We also aim to equip you for works of service and for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
I’m a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ sharing the Gospel online. I’m also a wife, mom, teacher, Christian Life Coach, author, blogger, and artist.
ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
We are a non-denominational Bible-believing Christian ministry trained and equipped at the Christian Leaders Institute. Even though our ministry is based on God's Word, the Bible, you need to approach our teachings like the Bereans and always study the Bible yourself to see if what we teach is aligned with what is written in the Bible.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV
We are only humans who 'stumble in many ways' (James 3:2) and we only 'know in part and we prophesy in part' (1 Corinthians 13:9).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The blog owner, Janet Giessl, is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Ordained Minister at the Christian Leaders Alliance and not a medical doctor, licensed therapist or health care professional. The information presented on this platform is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. It is essential to understand that the content offered here is not a substitute for professional advice, whether medical, legal, financial, or from any other professional field.
Spiritual matters and personal well-being are deeply personal and can have profound effects on individuals. We strongly recommend seeking guidance from qualified professionals and prayerfully considering your own circumstances when making significant decisions in your life. The content on this blog is meant to offer insights and inspiration based on biblical principles, but it is not a replacement for professional assistance or personalized advice.
Always consult with appropriate professionals for your specific needs and circumstances.
