Psalm 82:3

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless.

Theme of this psalm: A fair judge, God will judge the wicked who have unfairly treated others.

Thoughts for the day...
I'm about to get up on a soapbox, so bear with me. I have read in places, and even have some friends who have said, that "government is too big," and "they have their hands in too many places," and things like that (you've heard the same, I'm sure). They argue against things such as reformed health care, welfare, and other social programs that help those in need, and these are Christians. My argument to them is, if Christians are doing what they're commanded by God to do, then the government wouldn't have to get involved. But we're not, and so they are. People use this verse to defend their stance on abortion, which I agree with, but what about defending those who are already living? (I fully support these programs, even if it does take a little more out of each paycheck, because that's another way that I can do what God commands me in this verse.)

Okay, I'm stepping down, and asking myself the question now: am I doing enough to defend the weak? Am I doing enough to help those less fortunate than I am? The answer is probably no. While I'm fine with losing a couple bucks to support programs that help others, that's a very passive way that I'm choosing to help them. I admit that I need to get out there and do more, not just with monetary gifts, but talking with people, helping them in a physical way.

My Prayer
Father, I'm not doing enough. I've often thought about helping out at a soup kitchen or going into the community and doing something to help Your children in need, but that's all it ends up being--talk. Good intentions accomplish nothing, yet too often, that's all I've got. Forgive me for being passive in the way I offer help to others, and open my eyes to find ways that I can be a better witness to them about You.