Seeds of Justice: Devotions From a Legacy of Faith and JusticeNäide

Psalm 10:17-18 The cry of the psalmist in Psalm 10 captures both the lament of those facing injustice and the unwavering hope in God’s promise of deliverance. The psalmist’s plea is rooted in the belief that God is not distant but deeply attentive to the cries of the afflicted. This passage serves as a vivid reminder that lament is a holy act, a means of laying bare the pain of oppression while affirming faith in God’s justice.

The Pan-African experience, shaped by centuries of systemic injustice, echoes this sacred lament. From the transatlantic slave trade to the enduring legacies of colonialism and racial inequities, the collective cry of Pan-African communities mirrors the psalmist’s yearning for divine intervention. Yet, alongside lament exists hope—a hope that calls us to act as co-laborers with God in dismantling systems of oppression and building communities rooted in equity and compassion.

In Bread for the World’s mission to end hunger, this tension between lament and hope finds tangible expression. Hunger is both a symptom and a symbol of systemic injustice, disproportionately impacting communities of African descent globally. Yet, as advocates, we are called to be hope-bearers, working tirelessly to eradicate hunger and promote justice. Our faith reminds us that lament is not the end of the story. Through lament, we find the strength to rise, act, and hope anew.

The psalmist’s assurance that God hears, encourages, and defends the oppressed invites us to embody those divine actions. As the Body of Christ, we are called to hear the cries of the hungry, encourage the weary, and defend the vulnerable. In doing so, we reflect God’s heart and participate in the transformative work of justice and renewal.

Probing Questions

• How does Psalm 10 challenge us to confront systems of injustice in our communities?
• In what ways can lament strengthen our faith and motivate us to take action?
• How might the hope found in God’s promise inspire our advocacy for hunger justice?

Music for Meditation

“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson

Prayer:

Gracious God, God of the Oppressed.

We lift to you the cries of the afflicted and the oppressed. Hear our lament, O Lord, and empower us with hope to act boldly for justice. May your Spirit guide us as we work to end hunger and dismantle systems of inequity. Strengthen our resolve, renew our faith, and unite us in love as we strive to reflect on your kingdom on earth. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

Rev. Quardricos Bernard Driskell is the pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, an adjunct professor of Legislative Affairs at George Washington University, and a healthcare policy advocate.

The excerpt was taken from A Legacy of Faith and Justice by Angelique Walker-Smith.