Poor & Needy

Psalm 86:1

A prayer of David, and listen to what David the King is confessing to the Lord; “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.”  Since it is only you and me that are going to see this, let me be honest, I’m a long way from having anyone envy me for the material stuff I have, but I also do not see myself as weak and needy.  King David saw himself in that way before God, could that be a big problem in my life and the life of many others who are like me?

Was David rich by the world’s standards, the answer has to be yes, very rich, and powerful, not only over Judea and Israel but many people and lands that his army had conquered.  He had riches one can only dream about, and yet he was aware that his riches and power were only for a season and his soul was poor and needy.  

As we awaken to that truth, we like David are the only manager of what has been given to us, in stuff, talents, family, and friends, and the boss, the owner of all that has been or will be created, is the one our souls long for.  Could it be said of the Church today, you and I and many others are closer to the church at Laodicea than we want to admit?  These are the words of Jesus talking about the church at Laodicea,  ^“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

I believe the world culture and especially in what I call the up and outers, those who have used the skills and talents God has given them, yes, most have worked long hours and been diligent in how they have managed their resources, and now enjoy the fruits of their labor.  The Church is full of them, I am one of them, and yet many in and out of the church buy into this attitude; I’ve worked hard, and now I’m going to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and there is nothing wrong with doing so if you get permission from the One who is your life.  There is a danger of allowing the culture to give you an attitude, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”

Now you will never admit that to yourself or to your friends, and never in a Bible study, is there not some truth found in these words?  Let me ask some questions that I’ve been asking myself; do you ask God before buying what you want, or do you go and get it?  Are you looking to the needs of others, and are you just concerned about number one?  Are you a good manager of what God has entrusted to you?  Now that’s very personal and yet it’s a conversation for you to have with the Lord, not one like myself that often muddles up my life on planet earth.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice