The Daily Office: Psalm 41

"Happy are those who consider the poor and needy! The LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble (Psalm 41:1)

The author of this Psalm has his share of trouble. "My enemies are saying wicked things about me: 'When will he die and his name perish?'" (v.5) But he is not a navel-gazer, focusing only on his personal trouble. In the midst of his own trouble, he refuses to forget the troubles of others. Even as he seeks comfort from his God, he also seeks the encouragement that only God can give, so that he will continue to reach out to the poor and needy.

It's a busy week here at Christ Church. Our Bishop, Henry Parsley, is coming to offer his support to us tomorrow. And on Saturday afternoon, we will celebrate with exceeding joy a wedding in the family; as Debby and Bill Simmons' daughter, Katie, is joined in marriage to Jon Atchison. On Saturday morning, we will consider the poor and needy as we continue our Beans and Rice ministry. From 9-11 am, we will hand out bags of uncooked beans and rice to any who come for help.

Even in the midst of our own troubles, and our celebrations, we consider the poor and needy. How happy God wants us to be in all these things!