Champion of the “Little Guy”
Today I was up early, had my morning Bible reading, took a nap and got up before 7:30 a.m. I spent most of the day on some office work and getting some final adjustments made for my book. I did have a fitness center workout and the rest of my week is fairly busy with appointments each day.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will fervently thank the Lord with my mouth; I will praise Him in the presence of many. For He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.” Psalm 109:30,31 HCSB
So often in our world today, we hear the question asked, “who is looking out for the “little guy?” We hear politicians say that they will look after those so easily overlooked in society and those who are struggling and oppressed.
These are some of the thoughts that came to my minds when I read, “He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.” Consider the complaint of the psalmist in his need, oppression and suffering…
“They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.” (Psa. 109:3 HCSB)
“They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” (Psa. 109:5 HCSB)
“He loved cursing…he took no delight in blessing….” (Psa. 109:17 HCSB)
“I have become an object of ridicule to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn.” (Psa. 109:25 HCSB)
The palmist in responding to those who are oppressing, pleads with God to “get ’em.”
“Set a wicked person over him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer be counted as sin….Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes. Let a creditor seize all he has; let strangers plunder what he has worked for.” (Psa. 109:5-6,10-11 HCSB)
After he “vents his spleen” against “the man.” We see that the petitions turn toward what he needs from the Lord,
“But You, Yahweh my Lord, deal kindly with me because of Your name; deliver me because of the goodness of Your faithful love. For I am afflicted and needy; my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.…Help me, Lord my God; save me according to Your faithful love so they may know that this is Your hand and that You, Lord, have done it.” (Psa. 109:21-23, 26-27 HCSB)
It is interesting how we long for justice and judgment against others, but mercy for ourselves. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28 NIV)
The psalmist does recognize the contrast between his accusers and the Lord. We can be confident that the Lord will come to our aid; even if He doesn’t do all that we would like Him to do those who are against us. At the end we see a clear understanding of our role and God’s role.
What is our role? “I will fervently thank the Lord with my mouth; I will praise Him in the presence of many.” We don’t back down, we stop trusting and relying on the Lord. We continue to let others know that our confidence is in the Lord. “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…” (Psalm 18:2 NIV)
What is the Lord’s role? “He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who would condemn him.” The Lord provides the strength that we need and He is ready to be the One who defends and rescues. You don’t need to rely on campaign promises to have that assurance. That’s a good thing!