This post is Day 6 in a series of studies about “Psalms 146-150”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Psalms 146-150 – Day 6

The Psalmist also tells us that God cares for those who, for whatever reason, are missing an important person from their family. Losing a close family member is tragic, whatever age we are. At times like that we are vulnerable and hurting, and need to be reassured that somebody cares.

Psalm 146:9

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Thought

The word that shouts at me personally as I read this verse, is the word foreigner which is translated as “stranger” or “alien” in other versions of The Bible. I have lived as a “foreigner” in France for more than forty years, and I still praise God for those who helped at the beginning. The word “foreigner” in Hebrew suggests a “sojourner”, a temporary resident who is often dependant on that community while in their area.

It suggests someone who is not familiar with the customs of the people around them. If you have ever lived for an extended period of time in another country, you will understand. It’s not just the language that is difficult to learn, but the habits and customs of day to day living. The Psalmist is saying here that God watches over those people. Is He suggesting that we should do that too?

The Psalmist also tells us that God cares for those who, for whatever reason, are missing an important person from their family. Losing a close family member is tragic, whatever age we are. At times like that we are vulnerable and hurting, and need to be reassured that somebody cares. Of course, God cares, and He sees, but then He often sends a believer to help the needy ones.

Action

Read Psalm 146 and think today about your reaction to the needy people you see; the beggar on a street corner, the orphans in other parts of the world, or someone you work with who has family problems. Do you try to avoid getting involved, or are you a willing volunteer?

Ask God today if He wants you to get involved with somebody who is worse off than you are.

Praise Him that He cares, and pray for people to respond to His call.

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