I was talking to a lady who worked for an organization who served kids who had experienced abuse and neglect. They are an amazing organization helping kids and families all over the state of Montana. The people of this organization were amazing and their faith was so evident in the work that they did. I asked her how they did it. How did they have an organization where people’s faith was at the forefront of the work that they did? What led to people having such a deep faith?
Her answer was so insightful. She told me that these kids that they are serving, who have experienced such traumatic things in their lives, are so close to God’s heart. She used the illustration that He was holding them close to His chest as if He was hugging them. So, the people that were involved in this work were close to God because as they served these kids and got closer to them, they were getting closer to God in the process.
All throughout scripture, we see that God cares for those who are most vulnerable.
God’s shows His care for Abel after he is murdered by Cain.
The Mosaic Law showed care and concern for those in the community who were poor or who could be easily taken advantage of.
One of the main criticisms from the Prophets towards Israel was for injustice and oppression toward the people around them.
Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we have done for him (Matthew 25:40)
James writes that religion that God sees as pure and faultless, is to remain pure from the world and to take care of the Orphan and Widow. (James 1:27)
It is easy to overlook this emphasis in scripture. Life is busy, we have all kinds of priorities, and sometimes we avoid situations that make us uncomfortable because we don’t know how to help.
However, this is where God’s heart is. As the lady serving vulnerable and hurting kids pointed out, this is where we get to experience God on a deeper level.
SOAP Scripture: Psalm 35:9-10
S: (scripture)
Read the above passage and underline, highlight, or write down passages that stand out to you. Maybe re-read it a few times if that’s helpful.
O: (observation)
Write down things you observe about the passage. Maybe it’s a word that stood out to you, something the passage made you think about, or a question that you have.
A: (application)
Write down some ways that the passage applies to your life. Make it personal.
P: (prayer)
Take a moment and pray. Ask God to make the passage practical to your everyday life.
