Regarding the Weak

Psalm 41:1

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
    the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.“

Psalm 41:1-3 reminds us of the blessing that comes to those who consider the weak. Weak in the first verse of this passage refers to those who are poor, needy, or helpless, rather than someone who is physically frail or lacking in intellect.

God promises to deliver those who consider the poor in their time of trouble. What comfort to realize that Almighty God will provide help when we are facing trials and tribulations. We are not left alone. In delivering us, he releases us from the pain and pressure of our troubles in his way and timing.

The Lord also protects and preserves those who regard the needy. There are many events we may never realize that God protects us from, and in preserving us, this passage indicates he guards and keeps us.

When one considers the weak, they are “counted among the blessed in the land”. Being counted is taken into account or considered, which means their blessing is evident; it can be seen. Also, thankfully, God doesn’t give them over to their foes. The Hebrew word translated as foes means enemies concerning those who wish them ill and do not want deliverance from trouble for the blessed.

Finally, in this passage, we see that God sustains them on their sickbeds. This denotes to support, uphold, or provide strength to them when they are sick. He also restores them. How wonderful is that? This is the promise given regarding considering the helpless in Psalms 41:1-3.

The Bible offers a good picture of how God feels about those who are impoverished. It tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). In addition, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). Moreover, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27).

Graciously, the Bible provides us with ample instructions on how to help the weak. We want to always choose ways that align with God’s Holy Spirit in the matter–wise and just ways that show compassion for the weak with wisdom in our procedure.

There are many methods and avenues to supply whatever help we’ve chosen to give the poor, (e.g., practical actions like sharing food or clothing or speaking up on their behalf). Key principles include being generous without showing off, treating the poor with dignity, and recognizing that aiding them is a way of serving God himself. 

Whether it be money, food, prayer, clothing, furniture, etc., God takes note and provides the benefits of one’s actions. Not to mention the joy one receives when they provide something of necessity to someone who could really use the help.

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Psalm 41:1-3

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
The Lord protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
 he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
 and restores them from their bed of illness.“