Words of Comfort, Hope and Joyنموونە

People with low incomes and those in need are powerless and helpless. In both ancient and modern societies, they were often exploited by the rich and powerful. The Old Testament prophets protested the injustice inflicted on the weaker sections of society.

For example, the prophet Amos condemned the aristocrats “who oppress the poor, who crush the needy” (Amos 4:1). The Law had instructed them to care for the poor and needy and not to cause them pain. “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns” (Deuteronomy 24:14, ESV).

The prophet Zechariah reminded the people of his society: “Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart” (Zechariah 7:10, ESV).

Nevertheless, those experiencing poverty and those in need have always been vulnerable. Even in the first century A.D., the wealthy continued to exploit the weaker members of society. The rich oppressed the poor and even took them to court (James 2:6). Modern societies still oppress the vulnerable and exploit the needy.

People with low incomes and those in need have turned to protests, strikes, and violent means to better their lives. However, the irony is that these struggles have given rise to a new elite who, with their newfound power, continue to oppress those weaker than themselves. The vicious cycle persists endlessly. The powerful will keep oppressing the weaker, and the wealthy will continue to exploit poor.

However, the Psalmist’s hope is not based on the world’s methods to uplift those with low incomes. He shifts his hope to the Lord, who is attentive to the poor and the needy. He has experienced the Lord's power to say, “The Lord takes thought for me.” He is the defender of the poor and the helpless.

When we are exploited and oppressed and there is no one to help, let us turn our eyes to the Lord. “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He pities the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy” (Psalms 72:12—13, ESV).

Take one intentional step to reflect God’s compassion for the vulnerable. It could be supporting a local outreach, advocating for someone overlooked, or simply listening to the story of someone who feels unseen.