Xanthe Hancox

But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.Psalm 9:18

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving. The first part acknowledges God's wonderful acts of deliverance in the past and this final segment requests God's ongoing protection and provision for the future. In verse 18, David comforts those who maintain their trust in God by reminding us that the poor will not be forgotten.

We see God’s tender heart for the poor again in the New Testament. In James 1:9 we read: “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.” It seems strange to tell that to people who are suffering!

Those who experience poverty and trials now can take pride in it because in the world to come, in heaven, they are to have a greater reward because they endured such hardship in this life (James 1:12). Our God is a God of justice and he gives hope to those who live in humble circumstances.

After all, Jesus Christ himself was born in a dirty, dark stable for us. He came from all possible richness and power and become poor for us here on earth, so that he could save us from our sin (2 Corinthians 8:9). Because Jesus died for our sins and has saved us, he has made us richer than we could ever hope to be. We don’t necessarily have lots of money, but we are rich in a way that can never be taken away from us.

Whether you live in humble circumstances or you live in affluence, take heart. Because whether you are poor or rich, if you live a life honouring God, you will have a just reward in heaven.

The Bible Society of South Africa makes Bibles available free of charge in a responsible manner to those who cannot afford it. You can read more about the Bibles for the Poor project here.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that your eyes are not closed to the difficulties and problems I face, and that people in my community and around the world face. Thank you that the needy will not always be forgotten, but that you have prepared something better for those that love and trust you. Amen