Psalm 41 is a complaint of one who has suffered and been abandoned and betrayed by all. The situation was clearly a terrible one. To suffer serious illness is always a terrible thing, particularly in those times. But to also be abandoned and betrayed in this time of need is to be thrown into a very dark place indeed. The psalmist’s complaint is based on God’s particular regard for the weak and God’s call to care for the weak. Though the psalmist has been abandoned by people, he has not been abandoned by God. While this is a comfort it does not take away from the sense of disappointment and pain at having been abandoned by people. The psalmist’s testimony here in Psalm 41 should remind us of something very important: God cares for the needy, but he uses people to deliver that care. It is no use just praying for someone in need as though it was God’s sole responsibility to care for the needy. God has made us responsible for each other so we must be prepared to offer practical care to those in need. To be in need is one thing but to have no one who cares is worse still. You may not be able to do much to help another person, but you can show that you care in some way, however small. Don’t neglect those in need. God cares for them and he wants to express that care through you. Who do you know who needs some love and care right now?
Pray for those in need and reflect on what you can do to show your concern for them.
Read Psalm 41.
