Psalm 68: God of power, God of the poor

Lessons from David- Psalm 68

We've all seen people on the street, pictures of starving children in Africa, and we've all felt a certain level of helplessness. Tim Chester, author of 'Good News to the Poor', defines modern poverty as not simply about material wealth (or lack of it), but exclusion from society. To be poor is to be helpless, disadvantaged, lacking in education or other means with which to provide for yourself and integrate into society. When we look at the world we see big problems with poverty of various kinds, and it's hard to know, as a Christian, what difference we can make.

Well a good start is here in this Psalm- God. David's Psalm rejoices in God's magnificence- His triumph over enemies (1-2) and His amazing wonders, displaying His power over creation (7-10). He has tens of thousands of chariots (17) and is worthy of praise from princes (27). He rides the ancient skies above, and thunders with a mighty voice (33). All the kingdoms of the earth should praise Him (32).

Great, but how is that relevant to the homeless guy in the bus shelter? Well, the Psalm gives an unexpected twist. God cares for the very opposite of His power- for the social outcasts and rejects. He is
'A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows... (He) sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing' (5-6).

He provides for the poor (10). He daily bears our burdens and saves us from death (19-20). David knew all about this, being a poor shepherd boy, chosen by God to be the next King of Israel, and having to depend on God to provide food and shelter for him as he ran away from Saul's jealousy.

This is the nature of God's character: He is kind, loving, merciful, caring, not proud or distant from our lives. He can provide for our every need. It is never God's pride that separates us from Him, but our own. We need to open our eyes to see our complete poverty before Him. What can we offer Him? Nothing but broken hearts. And that's exactly what He wants from us.

We need to check ourselves- if we are materially wealthy, has that become a barrier for our dependence on God?

And we also need to realise that if God cares so much for the poor, then so should we! Even if we just go and have a cup of tea with a lonely neighbour, we can play a vital role in our communities to comfort the poor, and in doing so show God's care and love for the marginalised.