PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 41
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak…” (Psalm 41:1)
David is convinced God is pleased with his integrity and will help him (v.11-12).
Can we say this too, that God will help us because of our integrity?
David had his moments, but he also had his issues, and his sinful weaknesses.
God knew his weakness, yet he also knew his heart, and what he wanted.
All of us have weak flesh, but is our spirit willing, is our heart set on what is right?
What pleases God most of all is compassion and mercy – regard for the weak.
This is what ‘love your neighbour’ means, to love with God-like concern and kindness.
This is God’s heart, and God is pleased with those who are after God’s heart.
“David… a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” (Acts 13:22)
Where David falls short, Jesus is the son of David that perfectly loves the weak.
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Jesus also blesses those who hunger for what is right, the merciful (Matthew 5:6-7).
Our heart for the weak, not our perfection, shows that we are after God’s heart.
Jesus assures us that we too will be satisfied, comforted and shown mercy!
PRAYER
Lord, my heart and life are not perfect, but I long to love what you love, and do what you do. Bless me that I may be a blessing to others, especially the weak.
“I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.” How is God pleased with me? Only by Him! Putting my trust in Him pleases Him. He is my God – my heavenly Father. It is because of that trust – made possible because of Jesus – that God is pleased with me and watches over me. He answers prayers – knows what I need. David knew that and saw that played out in his life. When I look back I can see God’s provident care and discipline – God is pleased with me – because I trust in Him!
The Lord delivers, protects, preserves, sustains, restores His own. And His own need to be people of integrity. That will give J-Jesus O-Others Y-Yourself. Have regard for the weak. One anothering. It is the Lord God Who gives me the strength to live for Him each day. Love God. Love one another. That is His command. It is more blessed to give than receive. Get my priorities straight and be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block.
Love, love, love, love,
the gospel in a word is love,
Love thy neighbor as thy brother,
love, love, love.
Peace, peace, peace, peace,
the gospel in a word is peace,
Peace that passes understanding,
peace, peace, peace.
Joy, joy, joy, joy,
the gospel in a word is joy,
Joy that fills to overflowing,
joy, joy, joy.
Christ, Christ, Christ, Christ,
the gospel in a word is Christ,
Love Him, serve Him, and adore Him,
Christ, Christ, Christ.